Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trail Blazers 3 November 2026 Prediction

Portland opened the season with three straight wins, but Ja Morant’s injury has disrupted Mike Nori’s fast-paced offense. The Trail Blazers now visit Denver. Can their defense slow down last season’s highest-scoring team?

Murray and Brown Find Their Three-Point Range

David Adelman’s team enters this home game after a strong shooting performance. In Friday’s 127-120 NBA Cup win over Phoenix, Denver made 20 of 38 three-pointers (52.6%). Jamal Murray and Brown combined to make 14 of their 18 attempts.

“What I liked most was that he shot without any hesitation. Some nights a player takes shots, but you don’t sense that confidence. Tonight, he had it. He kept making them,” Denver manager David Adelman said of Brown after the game.

With that shooting around him, Nikola Jokic ran the offense and recorded 18 points and 10 assists. Johnson has also returned, giving Denver another option alongside DeRozan. The Nuggets have been more consistent lately, though they do not yet look like a clear title favorite.

Denver Predicted Lineup: Murray, Brown, Johnson, Gordon, Jokic

Other Roster Players: Guards: DeRozan, Tyus Jones, Nembhard; forwards: Brazile, Diallo, Spencer Jones, Whitmore, Holmes, Hopkins; centers: Bagley, Nnaji

Out: Strawther (injury)

Manager: David Adelman

Morant’s Injury Disrupts Portland’s Offense

Mike Nori’s team beat Phoenix 124-83, Sacramento 128-120 and the Lakers 136-129 in its first three games. The streak ended with a 124-103 loss to Memphis, and Morant injured his hamstring in the fourth quarter. The point guard is expected to miss at least four weeks, moving Scoot Henderson into the starting lineup.

Portland adjusted well in Saturday’s 112-90 road win over Utah. Avdija and Lillard combined for 66 points, while Henderson contributed on both ends. Still, beating Utah does not resolve Portland’s rotation or center concerns. Donovan picked up five fouls in just 14 minutes in the previous game, and Jokic presents a tougher matchup. Clingan has struggled against top opponents and remains a concern in the starting lineup.

Portland Predicted Lineup: Henderson, Lillard, Camara, Avdija, Clingan

Other Roster Players: Guards: Tonje, Holiday, Youngblood; forwards: Kent, Krejci, Potter, Sissoko; centers: Carlson, Williams, Hansen

Out: Morant and Sharpe (injuries)

Manager: Mike Nori

Denver’s Home Record Against Portland

Denver won its last three regular-season meetings with Portland in 2025-26 by scores of 157-103, 128-112 and 137-132. The Nuggets have also won nine straight home games against the Trail Blazers.

Denver vs Portland Prediction: Denver Handicap -5.5

Main prediction: Without Morant, Portland’s backcourt of Henderson and Lillard faces a difficult matchup against Denver’s defense. The Nuggets have improved after an uneven start and have Johnson back. Portland has lost every game at Ball Arena since May 2021, so the pick is Denver -5.5.

Total points prediction: Denver scored at least 128 points in each of its three wins over Portland last season. Its offense has improved after a slow start, and the Trail Blazers are unlikely to abandon their up-tempo approach without Morant. The pick is over 229.5 points.