The set-up: Portland's rolling after winning six of its last seven and I think it'll carry that momentum over here. The Blazers average 111.9 PPG and they allow 109.7. Damian Lillard leads the nightly charge with 25.8 points for Portland. Clearly the Nuggets won't be rolling over though, as they come in having won seven of their last nine. Denver is averaging 110.7 PPG, while allowing 105.4. Nikola Jokic is averaging 19.2 points for Denver. Portland will be very aware of the fact that Denver is 14-6 ATS at home, winning by an average margin of 11.7 PPG this season. With both teams pushing the pace, from a situational stand point there's no question that this one sets up as more of a higher-scoring shootout.

The pick: Note as well though that Portland has seen the total go "over" the number in six of its last eight after scoring 120 points or more in its previous contest, while Denver has seen the total go "over" in not surprisingly 16 of its last 26 vs. poor defensive teams which allow 106 plus points per contest. This number is low, play the "over."

10* play