Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trail Blazers prediction for Wednesday’s fifth game of the NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena in Denver. After ending the first four games in a 2-2 tie, the Nuggets host the Trail Blazers in Denver with the home-court advantage on their side. Follow on for our free prediction and betting tips.
Denver Nuggets needs to bounce back from their last game
It was a game to forget for the Denver Nuggets in game four of the series. The Nuggets trailed by as much as 33 points in the third quarter. This was their worst performance in the series as the Nuggets shot just 34% from the field and 29% from the arc of three points. Nikola Jokic who is averaging 31 points per game in the playoffs was his team’s leading scorer with just 16 points.
It was a very weak offensive performance by coach Michael Malone’s team. For the first time in ten matches, they failed to score over 95 points. Denver have an average of 115 points per game in the regular season. Coach Malone needs to make some important adjustments to his team’s performance as the series is back to Denver and they can’t afford to lose this one.
Portland Trail Blazers hope to keep their momentum
Portland played the perfect game on Sunday both offensively and defensively. They shot 50% from the field much better than their season average of 45%. The difference was in the two-point shots as the Blazers scored 30 of the 51 attempts that led them to cruise to a very important victory.
Damian Lillard had a surprisingly quiet game with just ten points although his ten assists were essential. His teammate Norman Powell stepped up and scored four of his four attempts from the arc and had a 29 point game-high tally. Portland’s defense was in great form as well limiting Nikola Jokic to just 16 points.
Key Points
Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction
Most probably this series will go to a deciding seventh game. Both teams have alternated to win since game one and e think that will be the case in game five as it’s Denver’s turn for a victory.
Portland won game four with their top scorer Lillard having poor form. This means coach Terry Stotts can rely on different players to step up when their top scorers are struggling.
We think it will be a closer game than the fourth game. The series will now be played like a best of three with Denver having to play two games on home court.
We predict both teams will score close to their average points in the playoffs so far.
Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trail Blazers Betting Tips
Over 223.5 Points 1.71 at Vbet
Portland Trail Blazers to score under 113.5 points 1.84 at Vbet