National Basketball Association

Preview: Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trailblazers

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 1:18 p.m. ET

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Oct 16, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Denver Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) and Portland Trail Blazers forward Mason Plumlee (24) jump for the ball during the first quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

On the night of Dikembe Mutumbo’s jersey retirements, the Nuggets open their season at home against the Trailblazers.

After an opening night win, the long awaited return of the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center is here. The Denver Nuggets welcome division rivals Portland into the Pepsi Center for their first clash of the season.

The Nuggets enter this game 1-0 after defeating the New Orleans Pelicans on opening night.

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The Nuggets were able to withstand a ridiculous 50 point performance from Anthony Davis and find a way to close out the game. Some of last years troubles continued to haunt Denver, with Denver committing 24 turnovers in the game. The Nuggets found success in this game by going big with Nurkic and Jokic, with Nurkic in particular playing extremely well. This game brings a different challenge, with the Nuggets having to deal with a star studded backcourt in Damian Lillard and CJ Mccollum. With Gary Harris not expected to play, guarding these stars will be a big challenge for Mudiay and Barton.

The Blazers are 1-1 heading into this game off the back of two great performances from Damian Lillard. This game should be a true test of the Nuggets perimeter defense. The Blazers have many players that can light it up from outside which is worrisome for a team that has struggled to defend the perimeter. The Nuggets will look to dominate inside and on the boards

Key Matchup:

The matchup to watch is Emmanuel Mudiay vs Damian Lillard. Lillard has had his way in both games to start the year. He is averaging 34 ppg on 55% shooting from the field and from three to start the year. Mudiay will need to find a way to slow Lillard down for the Nuggets to have a good chance in this game. Mudiay also needs to find a way to limit turnovers in this game to avoid easy fast breaks for the Blazers.