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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

After the Denver Nuggets completely humiliated the Portland Trail Blazers in the first meeting, handing them a 124-94 loss, they meet once again. However, the tables have turned by now. While the Nuggets are on a four-game losing streak, the Blazers are on a three-game winning streak and moving up in the Western Conference.

On top of that the Nuggets don’t have both their superstars, Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic playing in the game. The last thing they would want is more injury woes. However, that’s exactly what happened as P.J. Dozier collided with Nuggets’ Cody Zeller.

P.J. Dozier becomes the next victim of a horrible injury

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The Denver Nuggets were off to a great start in the 2021-22 NBA campaign. Despite injury troubles, they were bagging wins but that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. With Jamal Murray out because of his ACL injury, and Nikola Jokic, who has missed the past two games as well because of his wrist injury, Denver is suffering its consequences.

Before entering this matchup, the Portland Trail Blazers were the obvious favorites to win the game. And as predicted, they established their dominance well into the first quarter by outscoring the Nuggets 33-27. However, in the first quarter itself, Denver received another major setback.

Their point guard, P.J. Dozier was driving into the paint towards the bucket when it happened. As he took a flight to drop a bucket, he clashed with opponent Cody Zeller, because of which he landed quite awkwardly on the floor with his knee in an unnatural position. P.J. did not play afterward, and if this injury is serious, it couldn’t come at a worse time.

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Can the Denver Nuggets pull off an upset?

USA Today via Reuters

Entering well into the third quarter, the Blazers had taken a lead that appeared to be possible for the Nuggets to catch up to. The Blazers have Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum to help them cross the finish line first. Unlike the Nuggets, who have Monte Morris and Jeff Green struggling to keep the deficit close.

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So far, Portland is the one who is likely to take the victory home and improve their record further to 10-8. With this, they will extend their winning streak, while the Nuggets will add on to their losing streak. Only a miracle can help them come out victorious in this game.

READ MORE: WATCH: Nikola Jokic Steps in to Stop Ugly Fight Between Nuggets Coach and NBA Referee in Bizzare Scenes