Feb. 20, 2026, 11:39 a.m. ET

The Denver Nuggets (35-21) visit the Portland Trail Blazers (27-29) on Friday. Tip-off from Moda Center in Portland, Oregon is at 10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Nuggets vs. Trail Blazers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Trail Blazers lead 1-0

The Nuggets came out of the All-Star break and lost to the LA Clippers on the road on Thursday 115-114 as 4.5-point favorites with the Over (226.5) cashing. G Jamal Murray missed a potential game-tying free throw with 0.9 seconds left in the game, and time expired on the rebound. They are 2-5 in their last 7 games.

The Blazers are playing for the first time since Feb. 12. They went 4-1 going into the break and are coming off a 135-119 road win over the Utah Jazz as 6-point favorites with the Over (236.5) cashing. G Jrue Holiday led the way with 31 points, 9 boards and 7 assists.

In their only meeting of the season so far, the Blazers knocked off the Nuggets 109-107 in Portland as 5.5-point underdogs on Oct. 31. The Under (239.5) cashed.

Watch the NBA on Fubo!Nuggets at Trail Blazers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 11:20 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Nuggets -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Trail Blazers +105 (bet $100 to win $105)Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets -1.5 (-110) | Trail Blazers +1.5 (-110)Over/Under (O/U): 240.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Nuggets at Trail Blazers key injuries

Nuggets

(Not yet submitted — below was for Thursday’s game)

G Tamar Bates (foot) outF Aaron Gordon (hamstring) outG Jalen Pickett (knee) probableF Peyton Watson (hamstring) out

Trail Blazers

G Damian Lillard (Achilles) out for seasonF Kris Murray (back) questionableG Shaedon Sharpe (calf) outG Matisse Thybulle (knee) questionable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Nuggets at Trail Blazers picks and predictionsPrediction

Nuggets 124, Trail Blazers 117

The Blazers are 4-1 in their last 5 games and are rested, but 3 of those wins came against teams well under .500 in Memphis (twice) and Utah.

The Nuggets are 20-10 in away games this season and, per Teamrankings.com, are 7-4 with no rest and 8-2 with a rest disadvantage.

The Nuggets get back on a winning track, and while -125 odds aren’t bad, a 1.5-point spread that gives you a little better value while not having to sacrifice even a bucket.

PASS.

The Nuggets have only 2 1-point wins this season of their 35 victories, making it unlikely they win this without covering.

The Blazers are 1-13 ATS in their last 14 outright losses.

BET NUGGETS -1.5 (-110).

While the total in these teams’ first meeting this season was only 216 points, 6 of the Blazers’ last 7 games have had more than 241 total points.

The Nuggets’ last 3 games have not reached 241 total points, but their 3 games before that all did.

BET OVER 240.5 (-115).

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Access more NBA coverage:

HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | LeBron Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire

Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.

Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose.  While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.  We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site.  Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.