In the latest matchup, the Portland Trail Blazers are trailing the Denver Nuggets by a score of 106-100 as they head into the fourth quarter. The Trail Blazers, who have faced six consecutive losses, have shown improvement on their home court but still face a significant challenge in overcoming the Nuggets, who are in good form with three straight wins.
The game, taking place on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at the Moda Center in Portland, is set to tip-off at 10 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action on Altitude 2 Sports or stream it via the CBS Sports App and fuboTV (subject to regional restrictions).
Recent encounters have favored the Nuggets, who boast a 9-1 record against the Trail Blazers in their last ten outings. Denver’s recent victory over the Sacramento Kings, finishing 130-129, showcased standout performances, particularly from Nikola Jokic, who achieved a triple-double with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists. Russell Westbrook also contributed significantly off the bench, nearing a triple-double himself with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists. The Nuggets displayed impressive teamwork, racking up 38 assists in the game, significantly outpacing the Kings’ 28.
In contrast, the Trail Blazers suffered a defeat against the Phoenix Suns in their last game, with a final score of 116-109, putting their season record at 8-18.
Denver is heavily favored in this contest, with expert analysts predicting an 8.5-point margin of victory. The Nuggets’ offensive power, averaging 119.2 points per game, presents a stark contrast to Portland’s average of 106.9 points. However, the Trail Blazers have the opportunity to turn the tide and surprise their opponents, needing to focus on their defense to prevent another high-scoring defeat.
While the odds currently seem stacked against Portland, there is potential for them to rise to the occasion and salvage a win on home turf. Fans will be eager to see if the Trail Blazers can muster the strength and strategy to break their losing streak and reclaim some momentum.
Overall, this matchup provides an exciting opportunity for both teams to either rectify past shortcomings or continue their respective streaks. The game’s outcome will be crucial not only for the standings but also for the confidence of the Trail Blazers moving forward in the season.