Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.20.26

Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.20.26

As the post-All-Star break intensity ramps up, the Denver Nuggets (35-21) travel to the Moda Center on February 20, 2026, to face the Portland Trail Blazers (27-29). This Western Conference showdown features a Denver squad eyeing a top seed against a resilient Portland team fighting for Play-In positioning. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 PM.

Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trail Blazers Matchup Preview

Denver Nuggets Key Stats & Trends

The Nuggets continue to be defined by the historic production of Nikola Jokic, who leads the team in every major statistical category. Averaging a triple-double with 28.7 PPG, 12.3 RPG, and 10.7 APG, Jokic remains the most difficult cover in the league. Denver’s offense thrives on high-percentage looks, but their depth is currently being tested. The absence of key frontcourt defenders forces a heavier reliance on Jamal Murray and Cameron Johnson to provide consistent spacing and secondary scoring.

Injury Report Denver Nuggets

• Peyton Watson (Out): Watson is expected to miss at least four weeks with his Grade 2 right hamstring strain.
• Aaron Gordon (Out): Gordon (hamstring) will be re-evaluated in 4-to-6 weeks.
• Tamar Bates (Out): The Nuggets announced Monday that Bates (foot) will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks.

Portland Trail Blazers Key Stats & Trends

Portland has found a new focal point in Deni Avdija, whose versatile playmaking (25.2 PPG, 6.6 APG) has kept the Blazers competitive. Defensively, the emergence of Donovan Clingan as a premier rim protector (11.5 RPG) has bolstered their interior presence. However, the Blazers are severely hampered by injuries to their backcourt, lacking the explosive perimeter shooting typically provided by their veteran stars.

Injury Report Portland Trail Blazers

• Kris Murray (Out): Murray (back) is listed as questionable for Friday’s game against the Nuggets.
• Matisse Thybulle (Out): Thybulle (knee) is questionable for Friday’s game against the Nuggets.
• Shaedon Sharpe (Out): Sharpe won’t play due to a strained left calf.
• Damian Lillard (Out): Lillard (Achilles) is sidelined despite his recent 3-Point Contest victory.

Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction & Best Bet

While Denver is missing the defensive versatility of Gordon, Nikola Jokic holds a significant tactical advantage over Portland’s young frontcourt. The Blazers lack the necessary firepower to match Denver’s execution without Lillard and Sharpe. Expect a methodical pace dominated by Jokic’s facilitation.

Prediction: Denver Nuggets -2.5 (Spread). We also lean toward the under 239.5, as both teams are missing primary scoring options and defensive anchors, likely leading to a more stagnant, half-court oriented contest.