The hope of the Denver Nuggets claiming the top seed in the Western Conference has taken a significant blow day ahead of their clash against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Nuggets who have been on a two-game winning streak will have to look for continued momentum without two of their essential players, Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray.

This absence comes at a crucial time for the Nuggets in the season. Currently ranked 2nd, 0.5 games behind the table toppers Oklahoma City Thunder, the team has a great opportunity tonight to dethrone OKC. But the double whammy of Jokic and Murray leaves the team and the fans in heightened doubts.

Jokic and Murray: The Engine of the Nuggets’ Offense

Nikola Jokić reigning NBA MVP is the heart and soul of the Denver Nuggets. The center has 22 triple-doubles this season, putting up an impressive 26.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game. Jamal Murray on the other hand, has been regaining his form after a knee injury. But his ability to penetrate defenses alongside Jokic creates a dynamic offensive duo. The point guard has averaged 20.9 points per game on his return.

As the regular season winds down, every game becomes increasingly crucial in the battle for playoff positioning. In the absence of Jokic and Jamal, Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. will be expected to take on the responsibility. Considering the fierce atmosphere in the Western Conference, Aaron Gordon and Co. will face an uphill battle in their away game. While a win without their two star players would be a strong statement of their title aspirations, a loss could open the door for LA Clippers and the Minnesota Timberwolves to make a move for the top seeds.

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Predicted Lineups: Trailblazers vs Nuggets

Trailblazers are ranked 2nd last in the Western Conference this season without much of a favorable run. Winning just 2 of their last ten games, the team has been on a 5-game losing streak. Which they look to break against the Nuggets.

The Trailblazers have scored 107.8 points per game this season, marking the 28th overall in the league. Moreover, the team has conceded 115.7 which takes 17th overall. The Moda Centre stars further hold the lowest assists per game for the season, going 30.0. In a run to pull the team from the fix on Saturday night will be Jerami Grant, Shaedon Sharpe, DeAndre Ayton, Matise Thybulle, and Jabari Walker as of now.

On the other hand, ranked 2nd, the Denver Nuggets have won 8 out of their last 10 games with a 2-game winning streak. Their away record has been an impressive 21-36 as they head against the 11-24 Trailblazers in the  home games.

Nuggets have scored 114.7 points per game this season which is 14th overall; further conceding 110.1 points per game.  Peyton Watson, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Zeke Nnaji make the predicted lineup for the Nuggets vying for the top seed.

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