Blazers vs Nuggets Updated Odds to Win Series After Blazers Takes 2-1 Series Lead

• The Portland Trail Blazers beat the Denver Nuggets 140-137 (4OT) in Game 3
• The Nuggets had scored just 102 points at the end of regulation
• Nikola Jokic played 65 minutes in Game 3

After a pair of games where the winner won comfortably, the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers played a tight, down-to-the-wire contest in Game 3. As a matter of fact, the down-to-the-wire portion turned into an epic marathon as it lasted through four overtimes. Now that the Blazers took the all-important Game 3, are they the best bet on the series?

Updated Blazers vs Nuggets Series Price

Trail Blazers Survive Through Four Overtimes

The Trail Blazers and Nuggets went blow-for-blow for four quarters, and then played another four overtimes for good measure. It was that close of a game and it looks like it’s going to be that close of a series. Portland is now a -280 favorite to win the series.

“That was the craziest game I’ve ever been a part of.” @dame_lillard talks to @brookeolzendam in tonight’s @biofreeze Top Performance Review. pic.twitter.com/54RzQJpdAK

— Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) May 4, 2019

The Blazers got 41 points from C.J. McCollum, who led the way, they also had plenty of support from the cast with 28 points from Damian Lillard, 19 from Rod Hood, 18 from Enes Kanter and 15 from Moe Harkless. Most importantly, their defense led the way, which will be crucial in this series going forward.

Nuggets Offense Struggles…Again

The Nuggets offense had a really rough time of things at the end of the regular season. As the team slumped in the final weeks, the Nuggets scored just 102.0 points per game in their final 11 contests. That was the second-worst mark in the NBA as only the New York Knicks scored fewer.

After logging 65 minutes in 4OT loss to Blazers, Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic on his body progress since rookie year: “I’m in really good shape. I don’t know what they’re talking about. Even when I came here, I was just, maybe, a little bit … chubby?” pic.twitter.com/UCwy1G8hAZ

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) May 4, 2019

We saw those problems carry over into Round 1 where the Nuggets averaged 105.1 points per game, scoring less than 108 or less four times. They had just 102 through regulation in Game 3 (after scoring just 90 in Game 2) as it appears the Trail Blazers offense has figured them out.

The Nuggets total of 137 in Game 3 looks great but again, that’s after four overtimes. We know that Nikola Jokic will be consistent as he’s been through the playoffs but Jamal Murray and some of the supporting cast are here and there. Murray went 14-of-32 in Game 3, which isn’t good enough. He also had just five assists, which is not good enough – not for 55 minutes of action.

Nuggets Too Inconsistent

The Trail Blazers have to win this series playing low-scoring games and it looks like they’ll be capable of that. They’ve now limited Denver in each of the last two games. I’m just not thrilled with having to rely on guys like Torrey Craig, Garry Harris and Malik Beasley. This trio had just 28 points after four overtimes.

? @Dame_Lillard (28 PTS, 8 AST, 6 REB) and @BeMore27 (34 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST) duel as the @trailblazers take Game 3 in quadruple overtime! #RipCity #NBAPlayoffs

Game 4: Sunday (5/5), 7pm/et, TNT pic.twitter.com/kbNdUVIMAG

— NBA (@NBA) May 4, 2019

My other concern is Jokic’s minutes. Denver simply has to have him on the floor as they’re not the same without him. However, he’s now played 43, 41, 37 and 65 minutes in his last four games. Sure, everyone played big minutes in Game 3 but at least the Blazers can spread the burden between two stars. For Denver, Jokic is carrying them offensively right now.

At this point, I still see this being a long series but I like Portland to edge them out in the end. They have home-court advantage, they’re dictating the pace of play and they have been the more consistent of the two teams.