The Nuggets lost 128-109 to the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night at Moda Center after leading at halftime.
Nikola Jokic missed his third consecutive game with elbow and ankle injuries as the team continued to prioritize his health ahead of the playoffs. He has played through both injuries as recently as last Saturday against the Wizards at Ball Arena.
Now the Nuggets (44-27) have to board a long flight to Houston, where they’ll face the second-place Rockets on Sunday to wrap up a four-game road trip. Denver remains in fourth place in the West as of Friday night with the loss.