After sitting in the bottom for a long, the Portland Trail Blazers are in an interesting spot right now with 8 wins in the last 10 games. But after the disappointment at the Target Center, they aim to go back one game and carry forward with the momentum going. And as they face the in-form Denver Nuggets, it is going to be an exciting Western Conference clash. Much to their comfort, the Denver squad is on a run of six-game victory, up against the Blazers, who will come with a one-game setback after having a six-game winning streak. But what fuels the energy is the lineup.
Heading into tonight’s matchup, there’s a lot of uncertainty with the Denver franchise as their entire frontcourt looks concerning. Jamal Murray’s knee injury and Aaron Gordon’s calf made them probable for the upcoming game. Their small forward Michael Porter Jr. is suffering from a hamstring injury and is deemed questionable. Earlier this week, Russell Westbrook strained his left hamstring in the fourth quarter of a Sixers game and since then hasn’t returned.
Oct 24, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Rip City’s injury situation isn’t that bad. The team has listed Jerami Grant, Robert Williams III, and Kris Murray as questionable. With Denver’s starting lineup compromised, the Blazers have an enhanced winning chance. But never underestimate the third-placed team with a 34-19 record. They’ve been somewhat shaky for most of this season, but after winning 10 of their last 12 games, it’s safe to say they’ve found their rhythm.
Jamal Murray and other injuries, and Depth Charts
Even with the injuries, the game is set to be good, as both teams are in form. Denver’s offense is a well-oiled machine, leading the league with 31.2 assists with Nikola Jokic the architect giving MVP-level performances. Averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.3 assists, his numbers rank among the top 5 in the league. But let’s not forget Jamal Murray, the playmaker for his team.
His 20.4 points and 6.1 assists per game make him an integral part of the team’s offense. Beyond Murray, the status of Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. adds another layer of complexity. If they suit up, it’ll take the pressure off Nikola Jokić and open opportunities for other players. For the Trail Blazers, these injuries present a significant opportunity.
If Denver is missing key players, Portland has a better chance of competing, even on the road. Anfernee Simons leads the Blazers’ charge with 18.5 points and 5 assists, followed by Deandre Ayton’s 14.5 points and 10.4 rebounds. They need to execute their game plan effectively and take advantage of any weaknesses in Denver’s lineup.
Denver Nuggets Depth Chart
Position
Starter
2nd
3rd
PG
Jamal Murray (DD)
Russell Westbrook (O)
Jalen Pickett
SG
Jamal Murray (DD)
Julian Strawther
Christian Braun
SF
Michael Porter Jr. (DD)
Christian Braun
Julian Strawther
PF
Aaron Gordon (DD)
Zeke Nnaji
Julian Strawther
C
Nikola Jokić
Zeke Nnaji
DeAndre Jordan
Portland Trail Blazers Depth Chart
Position
Starter
2nd
3rd
PG
Anfernee Simons
Scoot Henderson
Dalano Banton
SG
Toumani Camara
Shaedon Sharpe
Dalano Banton
SF
Deni Avdija
Shaedon Sharpe
Toumani Camara
PF
Jerami Grant (DD)
Kris Murray (DD)
Deni Avdija
C
Deandre Ayton
Donovan Clingan
Robert Williams III (DD)
With all these injuries, the upcoming game is going to be a closely contested battle. Will the Nuggets continue their dominance, or will the injury bug be too much to overcome? Can the Blazers take advantage of a potentially shorthanded Denver team? Only time will tell.
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