Nuggets missing key players against Trail Blazers Friday

The Portland Trail Blazers are set to play against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. The Nuggets will be missing some key players, which gives the Blazers a better chance to win. Star center Nikola Jokic will not play due to a left ankle injury. He has also been sidelined for the previous two games with an elbow issue. Guard Jamal Murray is questionable for the game because of a right ankle sprain. Both players missed a recent loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Blazers are currently 31-39, just two games behind Dallas and Phoenix in the Western Conference standings. They are tied for the 10th position in the playoff race. So far, Portland has played three games against Denver this season, winning one and losing two. In their last matchups, the Blazers beat the Nuggets 126-124 at home in December. However, Denver won both games in February, scoring 146-117 and 132-121. Jokic has been a standout player in those games, averaging over 33 points. With Jokic out, rookie center Donovan Clingan will face less pressure as he takes on a starting role. Backup center Robert Williams III will miss the rest of the regular season due to injury.