NBA Western Conference Predictions: Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers

Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers
Time: 10:05 PM ET, Mar 1, 2014
Spread: POR -11
M/L: POR -750; DEN +525
Total: 215.5

Betting odds courtesy of 5dimes

The Portland Trail Blazers are 40-18 and sit third in the Western Conference. Its opponent, the visiting Denver Nuggets, are 8.5 games out of the playoff picture and have lost nine of its past 10 games. The Trail Blazers are favored by 11 points according to NBA oddsmakers at 5dimes.

Portland has won its past four contests over the Jazz, Timberwolves, Nuggets and Nets. The Nuggets defeated Brooklyn 124-80 on Wednesday night, as seven Blazers scored in double figures. Shooting guard Will Barton had 20 off the bench, as he canned 8-of-13 from the floor and also grabbed 11 rebounds in his 28 minutes. If Barton and rookie C.J. McCollum can add depth, the Blazers could be an even more potent team. Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldrdige are the two main shows, but the Blazers can get big contributions from Dorrell Wright, Nic Batum, Robin Lopez and Wesley Matthews.

Denver has fallen to seven games below .500, and with Ty Lawson still lingering on the shelf, there is no relief in site. The Nuggets have been without Danilo Gallinari all season, and JaVale McGee is likely out the remainder of the year as well. It’s left the Nuggets to deal with Randy Foye and Evan Fornier in the backcourt, while also platooning a third guard Aaron Brooks in the lineup. It’s left the Nuggets particularly small defensively, and Kenneth Faried is struggling to do everything on the interior. The Nuggets are in a world of hurt and there’s no relief in sight.

DEN Trends: 0-4 ATS in last 4 vs teams with winning SU records; UNDER 4-0 in last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in previous game; UNDER 4-0 in last 4 following ATS loss.

POR Trends: 0-4 ATS in last 4 on 2 days rest; UNDER 4-0 in last 4 following SU win; UNDER 4-0 in last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in previous game.