The Portland Trail Blazers will be without multiple key contributors when they face the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on Monday, April 6 at 9:00 PM ET.
Damian Lillard (left Achilles), Jerami Grant (right calf), Shaedon Sharpe (left fibula), and Vit Krejci (left calf) are all confirmed out.
Portland has relied on Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara this season, who have averaged 23.9 and 13.2 points per game respectively. Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson are expected to carry more playmaking responsibilities in the backcourt.
The Nuggets enter the matchup on an eight-game winning streak and have only limited injury concerns. Bruce Brown is listed as probable with a left ankle sprain, while Zeke Nnaji is questionable with a left hip sprain. Spencer Jones and Peyton Watson are out with right hamstring strains.
Denver’s core remains intact, with Nikola Jokic averaging 27.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.9 assists per game, and Jamal Murray contributing 25.5 points and 7.2 assists. Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson provide secondary scoring and floor spacing, helping offset any minor absences.
Recent form favors both teams, with Portland winning its last two games against the Pelicans and Wizards, while the Nuggets have won back-to-back contests, including an overtime victory against the Spurs.
The Trail Blazers have struggled against Denver this season, losing two of three meetings, including a 157-103 blowout on February 28.
This game carries playoff implications, as Portland is currently 40-38 and fighting for a higher Western Conference play-in seed, while Denver has secured the fourth seed with a 50-28 record.