PREVIEW: The Denver Nuggets arrive in Portland as one of the league's most well-rounded teams, ranking first in defensive three-point quality while also leading in efficient free-throw shooting at 89.5 percent. Having won six of their last seven regular season games , Denver is averaging 128.3 points on 52.7 percent shooting while holding opponents to just 112.5 points on 44.8 percent. Nikola Jokic continues to orchestrate the offense with league-leading assists per game, while the team ranks first overall in assists. The Nuggets' only notable weakness involves offensive rebounding, where they rank 26th in the league at just 21.4 percent. Portland counters with elite defensive pressure, ranking first in forcing turnovers while also sitting atop the league in steals per game. However, the Trail Blazers struggle with three-point efficiency, ranking 29th in three-point shooting and 30th in attacking the rim. Portland has dropped six of their last 13 games , yet the team recently defeated both the Lakers and Jazz. With solid free-throw shooting at 86 percent and strong offensive rebounding at 32.9 percent, Portland's path to victory hinges on controlling the glass and winning the turnover battle.