Nuggets at Trail Blazers odds, picks and predictions

The Denver Nuggets (3-1) and Portland Trail Blazers (3-2) square off on Halloween in an NBA Cup matchup. Tip-off from Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, is set for 10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Nuggets vs. Trail Blazers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

2024-25 season series: Tied 2-2

Denver dominated the New Orleans Pelicans 122-88 Wednesday while covering as an 11.5-point favorite as the Under (238) cashed. The Nuggets won the rebounding battle by 20 and held the Pelicans to an abysmal 37.6% shooting from the field and 20.6% shooting from 3-point range. The Nuggets have won 3 straight and have put up at least 120 points in all of those wins.

Portland narrowly escaped with a 136-134 win over the Utah Jazz Wednesday while failing to cover as a 3-point favorite with the Over (235) hitting. The Blazers scored an insane 117 points through the first 3 quarters to be able to survive Utah’s 36-19 fourth-quarter run. Five Blazers scored 15+ points in the win, led by G Jrue Holiday‘s 27.

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Nuggets at Trail Blazers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:12 a.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML): Nuggets -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Trail Blazers +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
• Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets -4.5 (-115) | Trail Blazers +4.5 (-105)
• Over/Under (O/U): 239.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Nuggets at Trail Blazers key injuries

Nuggets

• F Cameron Johnson (shoulder) probable
• G Jamal Murray (calf) questionable

Trail Blazers

• G Scoot Henderson (hamstring) out
• G Damian Lillard (achilles) out
• G Shaedon Sharpe (calf) probable
• F Matisse Thybulle (thumb) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Nuggets at Trail Blazers picks and predictions

Prediction

Nuggets 124, Trail Blazers 121

PASS.

Denver is the better team and should cover here regardless of whether or not Murray plays, especially given that the rebounding of C Nikola Jokic will nullify some of the second-chance opportunities that Portland thrives on. However, with his status uncertain, backing Denver on the ML is too risky here, so pass and bet on the spread and/or total instead.

BET TRAIL BLAZERS +4.5 (-105).

The Blazers know how to force turnovers and know how to push the pace, and both will be instrumental in keeping this game with Denver tight. Furthermore, Portland’s offense has been shockingly good to start the season, so for the first time in a long time the Blazers will have the ability to at least compete with the Nuggets on both sides of the ball.

These teams are nearly neck and neck in every area statistically, making the possibility of the Blazers covering here against this Juggernaut of a Nuggets team even more probable. Murray’s injury status pushes this play from a LEAN in favor of Portland to a BET on Portland’s behalf.

BET OVER 239.5 (-115).

Denver has the third highest offensive rating in the NBA at a 123.9 while Portland is also top 10 with a 116.4 offensive rating. Also, the Over is 3-1 in Portland’s last 4 games and is 3-1 for Denver this season.

With both teams consistently putting up at least 120 points to start the season, leaning in any direction but the Over seems far too improbable.

Be aware that Portland has a good defense with versatile defenders at every level, so that defense plus Murray being banged up could mean that this Nuggets offense will be not quite as potent in this matchup.

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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