Can the Portland Trail Blazersdo it again?
The Blazers ended their 10-game losing streak against winning teams with Wednesday night’s 115-99 win over the Memphis Grizzlies (43-27).
Next up are the Denver Nuggets (44-26), who are 2-1 against the Blazers but will be without superstar center Nikola Jokic.
The Blazers (31-39) took advantage of Memphis playing without Ja Morant, winning 115-99. The victory moved the Blazers to within two games of Dallas (33-37) and Phoenix (33-37), tied for 10th in the Western Conference.
Phoenix hosts Cleveland (56-13) on Friday and Dallas hosts Detroit (39-31).
Denver guard Jamal Murray is questionable. Should he play, the Nuggets will very much remain a problem. If he doesn’t, the Blazers will have a prime opportunity to pick up another win and maybe a game on Dallas, Phoenix or both.
Prediction: The Nuggets are 3-4 this season when Jokic sits. After Friday, they will be 3-5.
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PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS VS. DENVER NUGGETS
What: Trail Blazers (31-39) vs. Nuggets (44-26), 7 p.m., Friday.
Where: Moda Center.
Radio: Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM).
TV channel: KATU (Antenna: 2.2 in Portland. Xfinity: 302 and 1170. DirecTV: 688-1. KUNP (Antenna: 47.1. Xfinity: 16, 302, 1170. DirecTV: 47. Spectrum: 184).
How to Watch: Rip City TV Network. If you don’t have cable, you can still watch this game live for FREE with the help of an HDTV antenna on your local ABC affiliate (Charge 2.2 in Portland). These antennas are very easy to install and cost around $20. You can purchase one at your local Bi-Mart or Fred Meyer, or buy one online at Walmart or from Amazon and have it shipped quickly to your home. Here are some instructions on how to set up an HDTV antenna on your television or other display. You can find out more about which channel Rip City TV Network is on in your area by using the channel finder here.
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ODDS (Oregon Lottery/DraftKings)
Moneyline: POR -115 | DEN -105
Spread: POR +1 | Over/Under: 225.5
INJURIES
Blazers: Jerami Grant (right knee tendinitis) is doubtful. Jabari Walker (concussion protocol), Deandre Ayton (left calf strain) and Robert Williams III (left knee sprain) are out.
Nuggets: Christian Braun (left foot sprain) and Aaron Gordon (right calf injury management/left ankle sprain) are probable. Jamal Murray (right ankle sprain) is questionable. Nikola Jokic (left ankle impingement) and Julian Strawther (left knee sprain) are out.
NEXT UP
The Blazers host the Boston Celtics (50-19) at 3 p.m. Sunday.
-- Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)