Key Highlights
- Nuggets host the Trail Blazers in a matchup for NBA Cup Group Play.
- The game is set for Friday, October 31, at Moda Center.
- Nuggets are favored to win with odds of -4.5 (-115) against the Trail Blazers (+4.5, -105).
- Prop bets include Shaedon Sharpe’s performance prediction: UNDER 26.5 Pts + Reb + Ast (-110).
NBA Cup Kickoff: Nuggets vs. Trail Blazers Preview
The NBA Cup tips off on Friday night with a matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center, marking an exciting opening to Group Play.
Team Performance
The Denver Nuggets have been on a roll, winning their last three games, including a 122-88 victory over the Golden State Warriors. Despite losing their opener, the Portland Trail Blazers are showing strong form with three consecutive wins since, including two straight.
Injury Reports and Key Players
The Nuggets have several players listed as questionable due to injuries: Tamar Bates (out), Cameron Johnson (probable), Curtis Jones, Jamal Murray (questionable).
For the Trail Blazers, Scoot Henderson is out, Damian Lillard remains questionable, and Matisse Thybulle will miss the game.
Prop Bets and Prediction
The oddsmakers have set the spread at Nuggets -4.5 (-115) against the Trail Blazers (+4.5, -105), with a total of 240.5 points (Over -108/Under -112).
Noting that both teams are high-scoring early in the season, with the Nuggets averaging second-most points at 128.3 and the Trail Blazers scoring 123.6 per game, Ryan Gilbert predicts an over for the total score.
Shaedon Sharpe’s performance is a focal point of prop bets:
- Prop bet: Shaedon Sharpe UNDER 26.5 Pts + Reb + Ast (-110)
Sharpe, who has struggled with his shooting this season, has not yet surpassed the 26.5 combined points, rebounds, and assists in any game so far.
Prediction and Conclusion
Gilbert believes that despite both teams being capable of reaching high scores, the Nuggets’ defense may limit Sharpe’s impact, leading to an over for the total score tonight.
