The matchup to look out for in Game 5 will be between two reserve guards who are capable of lighting it up from beyond the arc, as Portland’s Seth Curry takes on Denver’s Malik Beasley. X-Factors: Seth Curry (POR) vs Malik Beasley (DEN) has been participating in light contact 3-on-3 drills in practice, but is still a long shot to return this year according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. Denver Nuggets Roster Notesį Michael Porter – – Out (Back) – Porter Jr. Portland Trail Blazers Roster NotesĬ Jusuf Nurkic – – Out For Season (Leg Fracture) – Nurkic will not return in the playoffs and could possibly miss all of next season with a compound fracture in his left leg. Jokic appeared to be gassed near the end of Game 4, which suggests that the seven footer may not be quite used to the grind of postseason basketball just yet. Relying more on his skill and basketball IQ than his physical gifts, the Serbian is able to out play opponents who are faster, stronger, and more athletic.ĭespite his unathletic appearance, the Joker has managed to log some heavy minutes in the playoffs this year, (65 in Game 3) and has already been through a seven game slugfest against San Antonio. Nikola Jokic’s Conditioning Will Be TestedĪlthough he will not be winning any dunk contests anytime soon, Nikola Jokic has quickly become one of the premier young stars in the NBA.
His maturity should improve with time and experience, which will only help as he becomes a more importance piece for Portland’s roster. With that said, the 21 year-old has played his age, namely when he got hit with a technical foul in Game 4 for arguing a foul call with the officials. Having blocked a modest eight shots so far, the seven foot native of Las Vegas is making plays on that end of the floor. Having already played important minutes in the playoffs last year against the New Orleans Pelicans, the second year Gonzaga product has made his presence known as a rim protector. Could Zach Collins Earn a Bigger Role?Ī new age center with the ability to stretch the floor and bury threes, Zach Collins has quickly earned the trust of coach Terry Stotts. They have won four straight such games, with their last loss coming in 2011 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in round one. The Denver Nuggets will be playing in their fifth playoff Game 5 since 2010.
#BLAZERS VS NUGGETS PREDICTIONS SERIES#
With the series now at 2-2, the Portland Trail Blazers do not need to fret at this point, as they have not lost a playoff series that was even after four games since 2011, when they were bounced by the champion Dallas Mavericks in the first round.
#BLAZERS VS NUGGETS PREDICTIONS FREE#
Jamal Murray had his second straight game with 34 points, hitting all 11 of his free throw attempts, most of which came in the closing minutes of the game.ĭenver’s front court duo of Nikola Jokic and Paul Millsap scored 21 points apiece, with Jokic notching another triple-double which included 12 rebounds and 11 assists.Īll together, the Nuggets had five players who reached double figures in scoring, one of whom was sixth man Will Barton who hit a pair of clutch threes in the fourth quarter to suppress Portland’s momentum. Refusing to go back home down 3-1, the Denver Nuggets showed resilience on the road by evening the score against the Blazers. G Gary Harris – 36.5 MPG | 13.9 PPG |.
Projected Starting Five: (G) Gary Harris – (G) Jamal Murray – (F) Torrey Craig – (F) Paul Millsap – (C) Nikola Jokic How (TV): TNT Portland Trail Blazers (Away)
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