The Denver Nuggets travel to Portland to face the Trail Blazers Friday night at Moda Center in the NBA Cup West Group C, with tip-off at 10:00 PM ET.
Denver will be without Tamar Bates, DaRon Holmes II, and Curtis Jones, all on G League assignments. Cameron Johnson is listed as probable with right shoulder inflammation, while Jamal Murray is questionable with left calf tightness.
The Nuggets have started the season 3–1. Murray leads the team with 27.0 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. Nikola Jokic is averaging 20.3 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 11.3 assists, while Aaron Gordon contributes 21.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest.
Portland faces a challenging injury report, missing Damian Lillard, Scoot Henderson, and Matisse Thybulle. Shaedon Sharpe is probable with left calf soreness, and Kris Murray is questionable due to illness. Robert Williams III remains on assignment in the G League.
The Trail Blazers hold a 3–2 record with Deni Avdija averaging 22.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Jerami Grant adds 21.6 points, while Jrue Holiday is contributing 19.6 points and 7.8 assists. Donovan Clingan and Toumani Camara have been key on the boards, offsetting some of the absences.
Injury concerns leave both teams adjusting rotations. Denver’s backcourt depth will be tested if Murray cannot play, while Portland must rely on remaining starters to fill scoring and defensive gaps.
