Deni Avdija had 36 points, eight rebounds and seven assists to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 128-109 win over the Denver Nuggets, who were without star center Nikola Jokic for the third straight game.

Nikola Jokic missed his third consecutive game with elbow and ankle injuries as the team continued to prioritize his health ahead of the playoffs. He has played through both injuries as recently as last Saturday against the Wizards at Ball Arena.

The Nuggets go head-to-head with the Trail Blazers for the fourth and final time this season.