The set-up: Denver pulled away for a 132-126 win vs. the Spurs last night, but I think that the Nuggets will predictably come up short here with their overall offensive effort in the second game of the back-to-back scenario.

The pick: The Blazers are playing well and still have a shot at a playoff spot if they can continue to find ways to win. Last time out Portland controlled the tempo and beat the high-scoring Rockets 110-102 and I expect a similar game-plan deployed tonight as well. This one has the feel of a "chess match," rather than a high-scoring "run and gun shootout." This number is a little high.

This is a 10* TOTAL COACH'S CORNER on the UNDER Blazers/Nuggets.