The Portland Trail Blazers are at home on Friday night as they host the Denver Nuggets in a Western Conference matchup.
Portland enters Friday’s game with a 27-29 record after defeating the Utah Jazz on the road last Thursday in their final game ahead of the All-Star break.
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Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (5)Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(Rob Gray-Imagn Images)
In Thursday’s victory over the Jazz, Jrue Holiday led the way for the Trail Blazers as he recorded 31 points, nine rebounds and seven assists while Donovan Clingan added 23 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks of his own.
Now Portland will try to grab another victory on Friday as they face off against the Nuggets in a tough home matchup.
On the other side, Denver enters Friday’s contest with a 35-21 record after losing on the road to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.
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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15)Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
(Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
Nikola Jokic led the way for the Nuggets in Thursday’s loss as he ended the game with 22 points, 17 rebounds and six assists while Jamal Murray recorded 20 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
While both teams are looking to pick up a victory in Friday night’s matchup, both squads may be without multiple key players due to injuries.
Nuggets Injury Report: Will Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon Play?
For the Nuggets, they have four players listed on their injury report, including both Murray and Aaron Gordon.
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Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27)© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Denver has listed Murray as questionable due to right hamstring tightness and he is in danger of missing his first game since January 23.
If Murray is sidelined, Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. could both have larger roles, along with Jalen Picket who is probable and is expected to play despite dealing with right knee soreness.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32)Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
(Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images)
The Nuggets have ruled out Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson as they both remain sidelined while recovering from right hamstring strains.
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Trail Blazers Injury Report: Will Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe Play?
On the other side, the Trail Blazers have four players listed on their injury report, though Deni Avdija is not one of them.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8)Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
Of course, Avdija missed Portland’s final game before the All-Star break due to a lingering back injury but he was able to play during All-Star weekend and he will return for the Trail Blazers on Friday against the Nuggets.
Portland has ruled out Shaedon Sharpe due to a left calf strain as he will miss his fifth consecutive contest.
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Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (17)Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
With Sharpe still sidelined, Vit Krejci and Caleb Love could both continue to have increased roles.
The Trail Blazers have also ruled out Damian Lillard as he continues to recover from a torn Achilles.
Kris Murray has been listed as questionable due to a lumbar strain while Matisse Thybulle is questionable due to right knee tendinopathy.
Fans can catch Friday night’s matchup between the Nuggets and Trail Blazers from Portland at 10:00 p.m. EST.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.