Tonight the Denver Nuggets host the Utah Jazz in a Northwest division showdown.  For those of you with cable, it is on TNT starting at 7:30.

Most of us know these teams well, so I'll just link (new window) to ESPN's preview.

There are competing theories as to what outcome benefits the Blazers the most.

Utah defeats Denver:

The Blazers aren't going to slip in their final 8 games and fall behind the Jazz in the playoff race even if they beat the Nuggets tonight.  A Denver loss gives the Blazers a very realistic chance at winning the division and getting homecourt in the first round of the playoffs with homecourt being vital for a trip to the 2nd round.

Denver defeats Utah:

The Blazers are a young team and could falter just enough to get passed by a veteran team like Utah, so the more losses for the Jazz the better.  On the other side, Denver has such an easy schedule the Blazers aren't likely to catch them in the division race anyway.  It's better to root for Denver because a win for them helps the Blazers lock into a 5th seed.

Which team should win?  What outcome helps the Blazers more?  Who gets ejected first, Jerry Sloan or Nene?  Talk it out in the comments