12/13/2023 0 Comments Portland blazers vs nuggets![]() Gordon is in a bit different situation for his group, though. It makes sense both are X-Factors in this series, as that tends to be the type of players being targeted at the deadline by playoff-bound teams. Like Powell, Gordon was added in a deadline deal. He is one of those guys that can get going in a heartbeat, and the Nuggets are in big trouble if they see that happening. Since getting to Portland, Powell has averaged 17 points in 34.4 minutes per game. Before that, he will play a crucial role in helping the offensively dominant backcourt duo of Lillard and McCollum make a playoff run. Powell, who was added in a deadline deal, has proven to be a very good two-way player this year and will be getting a big contract this offseason. Powell playing his best offensively could simply make for too much offense for the Nuggets to keep up with. The Nuggets will have to play extremely well just to keep up with the charge those guys lead. We all know the duo of Lillard and McCollum are going to get it done on offense. His play on defense could ultimately decide which way this series goes. Still, when push comes to shove, Covington is the man that is paid the big bucks to get these stops. That would be in the form of guys like Derrick Jones Jr. Not only that, but Covington has some support in players that can provide the team with a different but still strong defensive look. It will be a great test in facing Covington in this one. He has to step up to help Jokic carry the load in this series and any potential series to come. Murray’s absence puts increased pressure on him as the team’s best pure scorer. is not at that level yet but is a rising star in that department. Robert Covington vs Michael Porter Jr.Ĭovington was brought in to guard the best offensive wings in the league for Portland. The best defenders struggle to slow him down, so Kanter is preferred to see most of his minutes when Jokic is getting a breather for the Nuggets. Nurkic will have to avoid foul trouble because Kanter is now known for his defensive abilities. He will need to do more in the absence of Murray but don’t put it past him to bring his scoring to a new level if that is what the team needs. The problem will be successfully slowing down the soon-to-be Most Valuable Player award winner in Jokic. Jusuf Nurkic remains one of the league’s most underrated centers while Enes Kanter provides rebounding and nice offense off the bench. The Trail Blazers have a very nice combination of talented big men. Key Matchups Nikola Jokic vs Portland Bigs Off talent alone, the Trail Blazers could overwhelm the Nuggets. The price on this series could dramatically change very quickly after one of the early games. The Trailblazers are a smart bet with near-even odds. is a very good offensive player, but the Nuggets are going to miss the scoring burst from Murray to survive the offense of Lillard and CJ McCollum. It’s hard to bet against Damian Lillard, especially when you take away the Nuggets best scorer. It makes one wonder if he is being overvalued in looking at the series price considering this team made a run to the Western Conference finals last year. That likely comes down to one simple thing, the absence of the Nuggets second-best player Jamal Murray. ![]() The Nuggets enter the series as a rare higher seeded team that is not favored to win the series. ![]()
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