Nuggets – Wizards Preview
By Matt Welch
After seeing their six game win streak end on Wednesday night, the Denver Nuggets (24-17) look to start another winning streak against the Washington Wizards (7-29).
Jan 20, 2012; Washington , DC, USA; Denver Nuggets small forward Danilo Gallinari (8) dribbles past Washington Wizards forward Chris Singleton (31) during the second half at the Verizon Center. The Nuggets defeated the Wizards 108 – 104. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Denver is looking at another long stand at home, a place they’ve been very good at this season. Washington has only won one game on the road this season. Denver is hoping that their stars get back on track after struggling a bit against the Western Conference leading OKC Thunder. The Wizards will have their hands full with Denver’s guards. Ty Lawson and Danilo Gallinari are playing great as of late, while Iguodala is well due for a break out game. Kenneth Faried is still playing at a high level, as is center Kosta Koufos. Strong bench play from Corey Brewer, Andre Miller and Wilson Chandler will also likely fuel the Nuggets high-powered offense.
For the Wizards, they’re hoping former Nugget Nene can come up big for them. It’s only logical that he will want to play well against his former team. and with guard Jordan Crawford banged up, the Wizards will look to their frontcourt for help. With veterans like Emeka Okafor, Nene, and Trevor Ariza, Washington could look to pound the ball inside. It’ll be hard to take it to Denver’s frontcourt who are one of the tops in rebounding.
Stat to Watch: Rebounding
Denver is 2nd in the league crashing the boards, averaging 45.9 per game. Washington is 6th in the league, posting 43.7 per game. Faried is leading the Nuggets, pulling down 10.0 per game while Okafor is leading Washington with 7.5 per game. It’ll be fun to watch these teams bang under the basket.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. MST (9:00 ET) at the Pepsi Center in Denver.