Blazers vs. Nuggets Prediction
After taking the series opener on Monday, will the Denver Nuggets be able to win and cover in Game 2 of its series when they host the Portland Trail Blazers tonight at 9PM ET?
577 Portland Trail Blazers vs. 578 Denver Nuggets
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
9PM ET – Pepsi Center
TV: TNT
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers, the Nuggets are the favorite in Game 2, as they are getting odds of -4 points against the Blazers. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 219.5 points. The public betting for the contest has 54 percent going on the Nuggets as a home favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NBA Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Blazers fall in opener
The Blazers suffered a 121-113 loss at Denver in Game 1 on Monday. The Blazers were unable to cover a 4-point spread in the loss as well and they are just 1-3 against the spread in their last four games. Portland is now 57-31 on the season, 22-22 on the road, 48-39-1 against the spread and 46-40-2 with the over.
The Blazers shot the ball pretty well in Game 1, going 41 of 79 from the field and 11 of 29 from the arc, but they had 18 turnovers. Damian Lillard had another strong outing, posting 39 points and six assists on 12 of 21 shooting. Enes Kanter battled through a shoulder injury and had 26 points with seven rebounds. Rodney Hood added 17 points off the bench.
Nuggets take Game 1
Denver didn’t get much rest from their opening-round series, but that didn’t keep them from winning and covering at home in Monday’s series opener with Portland. Denver is now 59-31 on the season, 38-8 at home, 46-44 against the spread and 50-39-1 with the under.
The Nuggets were very efficient on offense, going 41 of 81 from the field and 12 of 29 from the arc. They also had 31 free-throw attempts. Nikola Jokic was dominant once again, putting up 37 points with nine rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks. Jamal Murray added 23 points and eight assists while Paul Millsap had 19 points and six rebounds.
NBA Betting Trends
Portland
The Blazers are just 1-4 against the spread in their last five road games, but 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games following a loss.
Denver
The Nuggets have covered the spread in six straight conference semifinal games, but just 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games on 1 day of rest.
Prediction:
The Nuggets were able to use Jokic to win Game 1 and Portland will have to find a different defensive plan other than putting Kanter on him. He just doesn’t have the quickness to keep up with Jokic. Lillard still played well for Portland, but the Blazers didn’t get much out of McCollum. He will have to improve tonight if Portland is going to take this game. Though I think Portland has a chance to take this game, I am going to trust in Denver at home. The Nuggets have been solid at home all season and I think they can grind out another win and cover.
NBA Prediction: Denver Nuggets -4