Portland Trail Blazers (14-33) vs. Denver Nuggets (33-15)
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Denver Nuggets 2/2/24 – The upcoming NBA matchup between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Denver Nuggets is shaping up to be an intriguing clash, as both teams prepare to face off on Friday, February 2, 2024, at the Ball Arena. With the Trail Blazers struggling to find their footing this season at 14-33 and the Nuggets showcasing their dominance with a 33-15 record, this game presents a classic underdog versus favorite scenario, ripe for handicapped game predictions. The stark contrast in their W-L standings sets the stage for an unpredictable encounter, especially for those keen on the betting aspects of the game.
The Portland Trail Blazers have struggled mightily against inconsistency this season, evidenced by their team stats. Averaging 118.6 points per game on 46.9% shooting from the field indicates their strong offensive capabilities; particularly their 37.5% success rate on 3-point field goals made per game at 37.5% success. Unfortunately for them though, defensive lapses and an inability to consistently convert plays into wins has hindered them greatly; their road record against the spread (12-14) suggests this as well.
Conversely, the Denver Nuggets have established themselves as one of the premier teams in the league thanks to their balanced approach on both offense and defense. Averaging 107.5 points per game while holding opponents to lower shooting percentages showcases their effective play style; their 8-16 record against spread in road games shows resilience and an ability to close out games successfully.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Denver Nuggets 2/2/24 Game Info
| When: | Friday, February 2, 2024, at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Ball Arena |
| TV: | ALT |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Anfernee Simons (SG) vs. Jamal Murray (PG)
Anfernee Simons has played a leading role for the Trail Blazers this season, averaging 22.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists over 33.4 minutes per game while starting all 25 games he’s appeared in. He posts solid shooting splits of 46.9% from the field and 37.5% from three. Simons excels as an outside shooter and shot creator, though his defense, playmaking and shot selection still need work.
For Denver, Jamal Murray has regained his pre-injury form, putting up 21.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 6.5 assists across 34 starts and 31.6 minutes a night. He’s shooting efficiently at 43.9% overall and 34.6% from deep as the Nuggets’ second offensive option behind Nikola Jokic. Murray frequently takes and makes tough shots, while also setting up teammates with his quality distribution. His versatile scoring and clutch shot-making are huge assets.
This matchup pits Murray’s well-rounded excellence against Simons’ pure scoring prowess. Both are still maturing with room for improvement. If Simons gets hot from outside he could carry Portland’s offense, but Murray has the experience and defensive skills to make life difficult for him. Ultimately, the battle between these talented guards may swing the outcome of this important Northwest Division matchup. Their supporting casts will also play crucial roles.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, but given the Nuggets’ superior record and home advantage, they are likely to be favored. Bettors should keep an eye on the spread and moneyline as they become available, considering the Nuggets’ performance against the spread at home and the Trail Blazers’ record on the road.
Portland Trail Blazers Betting Trends
The Trail Blazers have gone just 2-3 straight up in their last 5 contests, though they’ve covered in a slightly better 3-2 rate against the spread over that same sample. For the full season, Portland is a respectable 12-14 against the number on the road. The Blazers’ games have also trended over recently, going over the total in 2 of their last 5 and 9 of their last 21 away matchups.
Denver Nuggets Betting Trends
The Nuggets come into this game hot, winners of 4 of their previous 5 games straight up. However, they’ve struggled against the number of late, covering only 1 time in their past 5 outings. For the season, Denver has been a poor bet at home, going just 8-16 against the spread in 24 contests at Ball Arena. The under has hit in 9 of their last 23 home fixtures as well.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Denver Nuggets 2/2/24 Betting Picks
Given the analysis and betting trends, the Nuggets appear to be the safer pick, especially at home. However, the Trail Blazers’ capability to score from deep could make the game closer than anticipated. Bettors should consider the Nuggets for the win but keep an eye on the spread for value bets.
In terms of prop bets and over/under, the game’s high-scoring nature and both teams’ offensive capabilities suggest the over might be a good option, especially given the Trail Blazers’ recent trends. As always, these free NBA selections should be used as guidance, not guarantees, as the unpredictability of the NBA often throws up surprises.
Free Pick and Prediction: Denver Nuggets 115, Portland Trail Blazers 108.