Denver Nuggets: Friday Fastbreak

Apr 14, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) leaves the court after being injured during the first half against thePortland Trailblazers at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Nuggets news:

• Denver GM Masai Ujiri told Denver radio show “Evans & Klatt” that Kenneth Faried is unlikely to play in Game 1 against the Warriors, reports Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post.
• “Virtual System Analysis”, “Food for Thought” and “Through the Looking Glass” from the guys at ESPN’s Hardwood Paroxysm — giving a unique perspective at the Nuggets/Warriors first round match up.
• All four contributors at Denver Stiffs predict the Nuggets win in five games.

News around the league:

• APRIL 18 — The  Cleveland Cavaliers fire coach Byron Scott after three seasons with the team, per NBA.com.
• APRIL 18 — The Detroit Pistons cut ties with Lawrence Frank after 54-94 record in two seasons, per NBA.com.
• APRIL 18 — The NBA will be fining players on first flopping offense during playoffs, per AP via ESPN.
• APRIL 18 — New Orleans Hornets officially change name to Pelicans.
• APRIL 18 — Dallas Mavericks guard O.J. Mayo is expected to decline his player option for the second season of his contract.