The first-round series between the Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers is knotted at 1-1 following Game 2, and Game 3 will be played at the Moda Center. Damian Lillard and Nikola Jokic had a ridiculous shootout the last time these two teams met, and fans should expect more of the same in Portland’s first home game. Let’s go over the best betting options at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Trail Blazers vs. Nuggets, 10:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV
Pick ATS: Nuggets +4
Games 1 and 2 ended in blowouts, but the Nuggets have been far more consistent than the Trail Blazers so far. Denver has won five of the eight quarters in the series so far and has held a lead at halftime in every game so far. Jokic has been the best player on the court every step of the way and is averaging 36 points and 12 rebounds on 61.7% shooting. While Lillard’s gaudy numbers have been impressive as well, he hasn’t been nearly as efficient. Jokic is automatic, from the floor, and average contributions from his guards should help Denver cover.
Player Prop: Damian Lillard double-double (Yes +150)
Lillard is the engine for Portland’s offense and he’s already got two double-doubles in the series. You’d think the Nuggets would’ve attempted to close him down more after Game 1, but Lillard went for 42 points and 10 assists in Game 2. As the series shifts to Portland, expect him to have a strong game at home and continue to create offense for others. If you plan on going this route, you can also look at betting on Lillard to be the top scorer of the game (-110) and scoring more points than Denver’s Nikola Jokic (-129). Those options don’t provide as much value as his double-double prop, but could be good additional wagers.
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