The Nuggets will look to snap a three-game losing streak when they travel to Portland on Thursday. The Nuggets won four straight games at the end of November, but they have now lost three straight games this month. Portland, on the other hand, has won two games in a row.
Is Gary Payton, Michael Porter Jr. PLAYING today’ game?
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The Denver Nuggets had a strong start to the season, winning eight of their first eleven games. The Nuggets struggled after that, losing four of their next six games to finish 10-7 overall.
They went on a four-game winning streak at the end of November, defeating the Thunder, Clippers, and Rockets (twice). With losses to Atlanta, New Orleans, and Dallas in the first three weeks of December, Denver’s momentum has stalled.
Small forward Michael Porter Jr. is listed as questionable for today’s game.
He’ll miss his eighth game in a row due to a left heel strain. In Porter’s place, Bruce Brown will likely start on the wing alongside Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (wrist), who is listed as probable for the game.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is expected to play against the Trail Blazers on Thursday despite a right wrist sprain.
Portland had a good start to the season as well, winning nine of its first twelve games. The Trail Blazers then went cold, losing seven of their next eight games. During that time, their only win came in overtime on the road against New York.
According to Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers’ official website, Gary Payton (abdomen) will not play against Denver on Thursday.
Despite fully participating in practice today, Payton’s abdomen injury will require at least one more game to heal. On Saturday, the guard is expected to make his season debut against Minnesota.
Meanwhile, Keon Johnson (hip) is expected to play against Denver on Thursday.
Due to a lingering hip injury, Johnson is expected to play for the first time since Nov. 5 against the Suns. The guard has scored in double figures twice in six appearances.
