The Denver Nuggets' first game out of the All-Star break was a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, as Bennedict Mathurin's 38-point performance off the bench helped the Clippers defend their home court and hand Denver their 21st loss of the season. However, the second leg of a back-to-back awaits in Portland on Friday.

The Portland Trail Blazers have had an up-and-down season, but enter Friday's contest with a 4-1 record in their past five games, prior to the All-Star break. Led by All-Star Deni Avdija and having top draft pick Scoot Henderson return to the lineup, Portland could be in line to make a push for the playoffs in the second half of the year.

Denver's injury report features several names that remain from Thursday's game, including Tamar Bates (foot), Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Curtis Jones (two-way), and Peyton Watson (hamstring), all of whom are OUT.

Jalen Pickett is also listed, holding a PROBABLE tag yet again as he deals with right knee soreness.

However, the injury report has expanded since their last game, with All-Star guard Jamal Murray being listed as QUESTIONABLE with hamstring tightness. Murray played 35 minutes and logged 20 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in their loss to the Clippers.

If Murray is to miss the game, Denver will hope Pickett can be activated; if not, a role increase will be in line for Bruce Brown and Julian Strawther as ball handlers.

The Trail Blazers have two players ruled OUT currently, as Damian Lillard (Achilles) and Shaedon Sharpe (calf) will miss the team's first game back after the All-Star break. Lillard actually participated in All-Star Weekend despite not playing this season, winning his third three-point contest.

The other names listed for Portland are Kris Murray (lumbar) and Matisse Thybulle (knee), both holding QUESTIONABLE tags for Friday's game.

Despite having four regular-season matchups against each other, this is just the second time the Nuggets and Trail Blazers have faced off this season. Their first contest came on Halloween, with Portland taking the 109-107 victory at home.

Denver's team was still healthy then, but a lot has changed since the October 31st contest.

While there is plenty of star power in this contest, the matchup to pay attention to will be Nikola Jokic vs Donovan Clingan, as they are two of the best rebounders in the NBA, averaging over 11.5 rebounds per game each.

Tip-off at the Moda Center in Portland is set for 10:00 p.m. EST.