#Nuggets vs blazers full#

It gets the ball out of his hands and forces him to make passes against pressure, for which he’s a bit small. This scheme has consistently caused Damian Lillard trouble. With Jokic, they tend to put a lot of pressure on the ball-handler at the level. The Nuggets use a scheme with Jokic that’s different from how they defend the pick-and-roll in all other circumstances. I could recite you all the defensive advanced metrics in his corner, but really just go watch some of the games from this year and you’ll see what Jokic has brought defensively.

Jokic isn’t thought of as a defensive player, but he has been this year. The over cruised in the two losses without Jokic. Without him, it’s too much simplistic action that’s easy to defend, giving them more energy offensively. Jokic slows the game down, which allows the Nuggets to wear out opponents on defense.

#Nuggets vs blazers full#

That said, the wrist did swell after the injury which kept him out, and the Nuggets don’t play after Tuesday until Friday, giving him a full three days off to rest if they don’t bring him back.ĭefinitely wait to see Jokic’s status, as his availability should determine how you bet this matchup. X-rays were negative for Jokic and Michael Malone didn’t sound overly concerned about Jokic’s status. Jokic suffered a sprained wrist in the home loss to Philadelphia earlier this week and missed the last two games, which put Denver’s losing streak to four. Even usually invincible Nikola Jokic is banged up. may need surgery and his season could be in jeopardy. A matchup of two perennial MVP candidates (maybe), and two teams trying to find their way through early adversity.Ĭan Portland keep it rolling? Or will Denver right the ship? Status Of Jokic Key For Nuggets

Get up-to-the-minute NBA odds here.Ī division rivalry between two teams that have met in the playoffs two of the last three years.