Trail Blazers vs Nuggets

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Denver Nuggets begin a five-game road trip with the most important game of the season thus far Tuesday night, against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center.

Coach Michael Malone hopes his players are more ready to play than they were in a 115-90 drubbing by New Orleans at home on Sunday, a major setback in the Nuggets' bid to make the playoffs.

"An embarrassing loss," Malone said after the game. "We're in a playoff race, and we show up like the game didn't matter. That can't happen. That can't be us."

Denver (35-38) is now in a tie with the Trail Blazers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Portland has won two of three meetings between the…