Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers Picks and Prediction for Friday, October 31, 2025

The Denver Nuggets travel to Portland to face the Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on Friday at 10:00 PM ET, on KUNP 16. Denver is 3-1 and on a three-game win streak, while Portland is 3-2 following a pair of road wins. The Nuggets are 1-1 away from home, and Portland is 1-1 at Moda Center. Half-court to transition — NBA picks for Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers with key factors.

Denver Nuggets Look for Fourth Straight Win

Denver’s early-season form has been solid, averaging 128.3 points per game while shooting 52.7% from the field. The Nuggets’ offense is led by Nikola Jokic, who has opened the season with four straight triple-doubles. In the 122-88 win over New Orleans, Jokic recorded 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in just 28 minutes. Jamal Murray and Christian Braun each added 17 points as Denver outscored the Pelicans 39-11 in the third quarter, using a 24-0 run to give Jokic an early rest.

The Nuggets have won three straight since an overtime loss at Golden State to open the season, beating Minnesota, Phoenix, and New Orleans by an average of 20 points. During that stretch, Denver has shot over 50% in each game and averaged 31.8 assists, displaying strong ball movement and spreading the floor. The defense has also been strong, holding opponents to under 100 points in back-to-back outings. With an average of 47 rebounds and 8.3 steals per game, the Nuggets are controlling both ends.

Denver’s recent dominance on the glass has been key, led by Jokic and Aaron Gordon. The frontcourt has limited second-chance points, while Murray’s perimeter defense has improved through the first four games. If the Nuggets maintain this play at both ends, they will be tough to beat.

Injuries:

• Murray is listed as questionable due to a calf injury.

Trail Blazers Aim to Protect Home Floor

Portland is 3-2 after an eventful start, averaging 123.6 points while allowing 121.8. The Blazers’ offense has used balanced scoring, with Jrue Holiday emerging as the on-court leader. In the 136-134 win over Utah, Holiday scored 27 points and hit clutch free throws in the final seconds. Deni Avdija posted 19 points and nine rebounds, while Shaedon Sharpe and Jerami Grant added 18 each. Portland scored 27 points off 21 Jazz turnovers, turning defensive pressure into transition buckets.

The Blazers’ offense has caught fire from deep. They shot 14-for-29 from three in the first half against Utah and built a 79-73 lead after a 46-point second quarter. Portland has hit at least 13 threes in three of its five games and ranks near the top of the league in steals at 12.2 per game. Despite losing key players to injury, the squad has shown consistency and confidence on the perimeter. The defense still gives up to many points, but forcing turnovers has kept them competitive late.

With back-to-back wins over the Lakers and Jazz, Portland’s backcourt is playing well even without Scoot Henderson. The bench has also delivered, with contributions from Duop Reath and Toumani Camara. Portland will look to continue its fast pace and force Denver into mistakes early.

Injuries:

• Matisse Thybulle (G) – Out (Oct 31)
• Kris Murray (F) – Out (Oct 31)
• Robert Williams III (C) – Out (Oct 31)
• Scoot Henderson (G) – Out (Nov 10)
• Damian Lillard (G) – OFS (Oct 1)

Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers Pick

Spread Pick for Nuggets vs. Trail Blazers

• Denver Nuggets -3 (4 Units)

Denver’s offense has been rolling, averaging over 128 points while shooting 52.7%. With Jokic in historic form and the defense holding opponents under 90 in two straight, the Nuggets have a clear advantage. Portland has been hot from three, but faces a more disciplined defense, especially Denver’s perimeter D. Denver’s ball movement and interior play will help the Nuggets pull away in the second half.

Over/Under Pick for Nuggets vs. Trail Blazers

• Over 252.5 (4 Units)

Both teams rank among the top in scoring and pace early in the season. Denver has cleared 120 points in three straight, and Portland has topped 120 in four of five. The Blazers’ up-tempo offense combined with the Nuggets’ quick-hit attack at the rim points to another high-scoring game. Expect both sides to push the pace and test each other’s transition defense.