NFL Pickwatch - Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers Player Props, Picks and Predictions

Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 12/19/2024 10:00 PM EST

We have your Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Denver Nuggets hit the road to face the Portland Trail Blazers.

Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Denver Nuggets -340 (ESPN BET) / Portland Trail Blazers +275 (bet365)
Best Spread Odds: 8.0 - Denver Nuggets -108 (DraftKings) / 8.5 - Portland Trail Blazers -112 (FanDuel)
Best Total Odds: 232.5 - Under -110 (FanDuel) / 229.5 - Over -108 (BetRivers)

Game Info

Date: 12/19/2024
Time: 10:00 PM EST
Location: Moda Center (Portland, OR)
TV: NBA League Pass

Denver Nuggets Betting Trends

On the road, the Denver Nuggets have 7 wins and 6 losses this season.
As the favorite, the Denver Nuggets have 9 wins and 7 losses this season.
Overall this season, the Denver Nuggets have 14 wins and 10 losses.

Portland Trail Blazers Betting Trends

At home, the Portland Trail Blazers have 5 wins and 7 losses this season.
As the favorite, the Portland Trail Blazers have 8 wins and 17 losses this season.
Overall this season, the Portland Trail Blazers have 8 wins and 18 losses.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers have faced each other four times, with the Nuggets emerging victorious in all four encounters. The games were evenly split between home and away victories, with each team winning twice on the road. Despite Denver's dominance in terms of wins, the Trail Blazers have been more successful against the spread, covering in three out of the four games. The games have generally been high-scoring affairs, with the total score going over the set line in three of the four matchups, while only one game fell under. The Nuggets have consistently been the favorites in these matchups, as indicated by their lower moneyline odds in each game.

The most recent game between these two teams took place on March 23, 2024, with the Denver Nuggets narrowly defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 114-111. Reggie Jackson led the Nuggets with 23 points, including crucial free throws in the final moments, while Aaron Gordon added 22 points and a significant dunk in the fourth quarter. The Trail Blazers were led by Duop Reath, who scored 24 points, and Scoot Henderson, who contributed 22 points, including a driving layup in the closing seconds. The game was closely contested throughout, with the Nuggets' largest lead being 15 points and the Trail Blazers' largest lead just 2 points. Denver shot 45.1% from the field and 72.7% from the free-throw line, while Portland shot slightly better from the field at 46.2% and an impressive 88.2% from the free-throw line. The Nuggets also held a slight edge in rebounds, recording 49 compared to Portland's 45.

In terms of team performance across these games, the Nuggets have shown a consistent ability to score, averaging over 118 points per game against the Trail Blazers. Their shooting efficiency has been a key factor, with field goal percentages often exceeding 45%. The Trail Blazers, while competitive, have struggled to match the Nuggets' scoring output, averaging around 108 points per game. Rebounding has been relatively even between the two teams, with both sides showing strength on the boards. Turnovers have been a factor, with both teams averaging around 13 to 16 turnovers per game, which has occasionally impacted the flow of the game. As the teams prepare to face off again, these historical statistics provide a framework for understanding the dynamics that have characterized their recent matchups.

Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers Preview

The Denver Nuggets are set to face the Portland Trail Blazers in what promises to be an intriguing matchup at the Moda Center. The Nuggets, currently holding a 14-10 record, are coming off a strong performance against the Sacramento Kings, where they showcased their offensive prowess. With Nikola Jokic leading the charge, Denver has been a formidable force, averaging 118.7 points per game this season. Their ability to shoot from beyond the arc, with a 38.1% success rate, has been a significant factor in their offensive success.

On the other hand, the Portland Trail Blazers are struggling to find their footing this season, with an 8-18 record. Despite their challenges, they have shown resilience, particularly at home, where they have managed to secure five wins. However, their defense has been a concern, as they have been allowing opponents to score an average of 116.1 points per game. The Blazers will need to tighten their defense and find a way to contain the Nuggets' high-powered offense if they hope to break their current home losing streak.

Historically, the Nuggets have had the upper hand in recent encounters with the Trail Blazers, winning all four of their last meetings. Despite this dominance, the games have been closely contested, with Portland managing to cover the spread in three of those matchups. The most recent clash saw the Nuggets narrowly edge out the Blazers 114-111, highlighting the competitive nature of these encounters.

As the Nuggets prepare to extend their winning streak, they will rely on their depth and shooting efficiency to overcome the Blazers. Meanwhile, Portland will look to leverage their home-court advantage and improve their defensive efforts to challenge Denver. With both teams having much at stake, this game is set to be a captivating contest for fans and bettors alike.

Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers Pick: Denver Nuggets Moneyline

The Denver Nuggets are poised to continue their dominance over the Portland Trail Blazers, making them a strong pick for the moneyline in this matchup. The Nuggets have been in impressive form, boasting a 14-10 record and coming off a commanding performance against the Sacramento Kings. Their offensive firepower, led by Nikola Jokic, has been a key factor in their success, with the team averaging 118.7 points per game this season. This offensive prowess is further bolstered by their exceptional three-point shooting, hitting 38.1% from beyond the arc, which gives them a significant edge over the Trail Blazers.

Historically, the Nuggets have had the upper hand against the Trail Blazers, winning all four of their last encounters. Despite the close nature of these games, Denver's ability to consistently come out on top highlights their superiority in this matchup. The most recent meeting saw the Nuggets narrowly defeat the Blazers 114-111, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

On the other hand, the Trail Blazers have struggled this season, with an 8-18 record and a concerning home losing streak. Their defense has been a major issue, allowing opponents to score an average of 116.1 points per game. This defensive vulnerability is likely to be exploited by the Nuggets' high-powered offense. Additionally, the Trail Blazers' shooting efficiency has been subpar, with a field goal percentage of 43.8%, which pales in comparison to the Nuggets' 49.4% shooting from the field.

Given these factors, the Denver Nuggets are well-positioned to secure another victory against the Trail Blazers. Their superior offensive capabilities, combined with their recent success against Portland, make them the clear choice for the moneyline in this matchup. As the Nuggets aim to extend their winning streak, they are expected to leverage their depth and shooting efficiency to overcome the Blazers once again.

Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers Top Player Prop Picks

Nikola Jokic Over 28.5 Points -100 (FanDuel)

Nikola Jokic has been a dominant force for the Denver Nuggets, and his scoring prowess is expected to shine against the Portland Trail Blazers. With the Nuggets averaging 118.7 points per game this season, Jokic's contribution is pivotal. His ability to score efficiently, coupled with Portland's defensive struggles, makes the over on 28.5 points an enticing pick. The Trail Blazers have been allowing opponents to score an average of 116.1 points per game, and Jokic's versatility and skill set are likely to exploit this vulnerability. Given his central role in Denver's offense and the Blazers' defensive lapses, Jokic is well-positioned to surpass the 28.5-point mark.

Michael Porter Over 5.5 Rebounds -140 (FanDuel)

Michael Porter has been a consistent presence on the boards for the Nuggets, and his rebounding ability will be crucial against the Trail Blazers. Denver ranks ninth in the league with 45.0 rebounds per game, and Porter's contribution is a significant part of this success. The Trail Blazers have struggled defensively, and their opponents have averaged 119.4 points per game over the last ten games, indicating potential opportunities for Porter to capitalize on missed shots. With the Nuggets' slight edge in rebounding in their recent matchups against Portland, Porter is likely to exceed the 5.5-rebound line, making this a strong prop bet.

Jamal Murray Over 19.5 Points -120 (DraftKings)

Jamal Murray's scoring ability is a key component of the Nuggets' offensive strategy, and he is poised to have a significant impact against the Trail Blazers. Denver's offensive firepower, averaging 122.6 points over their last ten games, is bolstered by Murray's contributions. The Trail Blazers' defense has been porous, allowing high scoring from opponents, which sets the stage for Murray to thrive. With the Nuggets' impressive shooting efficiency and Portland's defensive vulnerabilities, Murray is expected to surpass the 19.5-point line, making the over a compelling choice for this matchup.