Trail Blazers vs Nuggets

PORTLAND, Oregon -- The Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets will be battling for position in the crowded NBA Western Conference race when they collide Friday night at Moda Center.

Denver is 14-7 and has won four in a row, the last a rousing 117-85 pounding of the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday night at the Pepsi Center. It was the Nuggets' most one-sided victory ever in the rivalry.

"They're a top team in the West, a team that is playing well," said Portland point guard Damian Lillard after the Trail Blazers' 115-112 win over the Orlando Magic Wednesday night, which snapped a three-game losing streak. "But they're coming to play us on our court. We're feeling good about ourselves now. It's…