Nuggets Aim for Fourth Win Against Blazers in NBA Cup Competition

PORTLAND, OR — The Denver Nuggets will face the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 7 p.m. PT at the Moda Center. The game marks the beginning of the NBA Cup, an in-season tournament featuring teams from the Western Conference.

The Nuggets enter the matchup with a record of 3-1 and are on a three-game winning streak. After an overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors on opening night, they have defeated the Phoenix Suns, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New Orleans Pelicans. Star center Nikola Jokic has been a standout performer, recording a triple-double in all four games this season, tying an NBA record for the most consecutive triple-doubles to start a season.

The Trail Blazers, fresh off a 136-134 victory against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, hold a 3-2 record. They rank sixth in the league for bench scoring, with backup wing Jerami Grant leading the charge, averaging 21.6 points per game. Grant’s robust performance has made him the top scorer off the bench in the NBA thus far.

Injuries could impact both teams. For the Blazers, Scoot Henderson, Damian Lillard, and Matisse Thybulle are sidelined, while Kris Murray and Robert Williams III face uncertain statuses. The Nuggets will likely be without Jamal Murray due to tightness in his calf, but Cameron Johnson is expected to play with shoulder inflammation.

This game is crucial in the NBA Cup’s West Group C, where the Blazers and Nuggets are joined by the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs. Following this game, the Blazers will host the Lakers at the Moda Center on November 3.