Trail Blazers vs. Nuggets Game 1 Odds, Picks, Predictions (May 22, 2021)

The Denver Nuggets were one of the hottest teams in the NBA towards the end of the year, but they won’t have it easy in the first round of the playoffs. Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers are standing in their way.

Let’s take a deep dive into the different wagering markets with our Trail Blazers vs. Nuggets Game 1 betting pick, complete with the best odds, prop predictions, and analysis.

Trail Blazers vs. Nuggets Betting Prediction

The Nuggets are a tough team to handicap in the playoffs. They are going to miss Jamal Murray, who is out after suffering a season-ending knee injury, but Michael Porter Jr. is emerging as a star. And of course, Nikola Jokic is the no-doubt MVP. He should be a matchup nightmare for the Blazers.

Portland is going to need their guards to lead the way. Lillard and CJ McCollum are the lead dogs on that team and it’s up to them to exploit this Denver defense. Facundo Campazzo is an opportunistic defender, but either Lillard or McCollum should be able to score against him.

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Trail Blazers vs. Nuggets Game 1 Odds

Game lines courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook Colorado:

Portland Trail Blazers: +1 (-112) // O 227.5 (-112) // -106
Denver Nuggets: -1 (-109) // U 227.5 (-109) // -114

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2E6gZ011n0

Bets We Like With A Nuggets Win

Michael Porter Jr. Over 23.5 Points (-110)

Michael Porter Jr. has to show up in the playoffs for the Nuggets to make a deep run. Without Jamal Murray, Porter is Denver’s second option and he seems to be living up to the task. Before the Nuggets started coasting, Porter had an 11-game stretch where he averaged 27 points on over 50% shooting from deep. Jokic is probably going to see his fair share of double teams. Look for Porter to cash in on those opportunities.

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Bets We Like With A Trail Blazers Win

Damian Lillard 29+ Points & Win (+220)

The Blazers are going to have a tough time keeping up with the Nuggets if Lillard doesn’t have a big night. His point total is set at 28.5 (-155). Adding the win on to make this bet a parlay is a decent play. Lillard has been known to go off in these kinds of big games. If you think the Blazers are going to win, you might as well add Lillard’s over.

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Trail Blazers vs. Nuggets Game 1 Prediction

The Blazers are favored in this series, but we are not sure why. Nikola Jokic is the best player on the floor and the Nuggets have home-court advantage. Hammer the over on Michael Porter Jr. props. We think he’s going to have a big series. Take the Nuggets ATS.

Betting Pick: Nuggets -1

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