The Denver Nuggets (34-16) hope to move past a disappointing overtime defeat to the Detroit Pistons when the Portland Trail Blazers (23-27) visit Pepsi Center Denver Tuesday in a Northwest Division matchup.
Factoring in playoffs and preseason, Denver and Portland have played each other an incredible 14 times since last January and are developing a burgeoning rivalry. The Nuggets have won five of their last six against the Trail Blazers in the regular season but lost in heartbreaking fashion to their opponents in Game 7 Western Conference semifinals. Carmelo Anthony’s presence on the Blazers only heightens the rivalry, with the former Nuggets star becoming a vital cog on Terry Stotts’ team.