This is a 10* NORTHWEST DIV. TOM on the OVER Blazers/Nuggets.

These two teams have been involved in several lower-scoring games of late, but this one sets up well from a situational stand point to finally be more of a wide-open offensive affair in my opinion.

Perhaps surprisingly, this is the first time these division rivals have played this year. This is the opener of two straight here between the clubs in fact, and because of that I do expect Denver to really pour it on here in the first game. These are two games the Nuggets can't "look past," and I believe they'll send a message here in the first one.

Will that translate into a cover for the home side? That's a good question that I'm a little uncertain about, as I'm also expecting the Blazers to finally be able to move the ball and put some points on the board today as well.

The Blazers are arguably playing their best basketball of the season right now after back-to-back victories as sizeable dogs, first taking down Philly 130-104,, then dispatching the Bucks 119-116 as 10.5-point underdogs.

Look for Portland to carry that confidence and momentum over here and to push the pace throughout.

All in all, expect this total to eclipse the posted number sooner, rather than later.

The play is indeed on the OVER.

Good luck, NP