Portland Trail Blazers vs Denver Nuggets (Game 2) Predictions, Betting Odds, Picks, Moneyline

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How to Watch Portland Trail Blazers vs Denver Nuggets

Head-to-Head: Portland Trail Blazers vs Denver Nuggets

POR: Attack the Denver Big Men

The Portland Trail Blazers are comically looked at as a one-way side. However, in their last game against the Nuggets, Portland was able to take advantage of their excellent perimeter attack.

The backcourt duo of Lillard and McCollum combined to contribute 55 points, 16 assists, and eight rebounds on 18 of 45 shooting from the field.

Their pace and trickiness in the pick-and-roll is causing issues for the Nuggets, especially with Jokic as the target of attack. With the variation in their scoring and playmaking ability, Portland should continue to run through their star guards.

Trail Blazers Key Player: (G-F) Norman Powell

In his #NBAPlayoffs debut with Portland, Norman Powell finished with 10 PTS, 4 AST & 3 REB! pic.twitter.com/XTfEDl6jDu

— NBA Canada (@NBACanada) May 23, 2021

When the Portland Trail Blazers acquired guard Norman Powell from the Toronto Raptors, he was expected to bring consistency and a championship pedigree to the Trail Blazers’ title run.

In Game 1 Powell posted 10 points, four assists, and three rebounds on three of 11 shooting from the field. The 2019 NBA Champion was a team-low -5 in the victory.

As the Nuggets continue to focus their defense on Portland’s star backcourt, Powell needs to be more effective. He is an efficient scorer, so he isn’t expected to struggle two games in a row.

DEN: Take Advantage In The Paint

Despite the Portland Trail Blazers’ solid stable of big men in Jusuf Nurkic and Enes Kanter, the Nuggets were able to counter with Jokic and their group of energetic big men.

Even though they lost in Game 1, the Denver Nuggets combined to outrebound the Trail Blazers 48 to 39. Denver’s starting frontcourt alone accounted for 33 of those 48 team rebounds.

Denver struggled to shoot the ball in Game 1, but they need to maintain their aggression on the glass. With Portland’s scoring ability, the Nuggets can’t afford to allow Portland extra opportunities.

Nuggets Key Player: (C) Nikola Jokic

34 PTS | 16 REB

A valiant effort from Nikola last night.#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/3sD8R4mTjE

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) May 23, 2021

One of the favorites to win the NBA Most Valuable Player Award, Nikola Jokic continues to do his utmost to lead the Nuggets to victory.

In Game 1, Jokic posted 34 points, 16 rebounds, and uncharacteristically one assist. The Trail Blazers were willing to let Jokic get his points, and not allow many other Nuggets players to find their rhythm.

Jokic will want to force the issue in Game 2 against the Trail Blazers. Expect his assist numbers to improve, as he’s the most talented playmaker on either side of the court.