Denver Nuggets Vs. Los Angeles Clippers Game-Preview

Oct 19, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) takes a jump shot against a lunging Denver Nuggets forward J.J. Hickson (7) during an NBA preseason game at Mandalay Bay Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight, the Denver Nuggets travel to California to take on the Los Angeles Clippers. The Nuggets are coming off of two losses in a row, while the Clipps are riding a 3 game win streak. Tonights game has the potential to be high scoring, but it also has the potential for another close loss for the Nuggets. Unfortunately the Nuggets have not been able to play well late in games, and if they continue that trend, more losses could be in the future.

J.J. Hickson has been a double-double machine lately for the Nuggets and he is going to need to contribute tonight against a tough Clippers team. The Clippers bigs Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan are going to create issues, but Hickson and Kenneth Faried should be able to hold their own. It will be interesting to see how the big men play for both teams, and I expect competitive battles under the basket all night long.

Chris Paul is averaging 19 and 11 for the Clippers, and depending on how Ty Lawson is feeling, he could easily exceed his average. Paul is dangerous every time he touches the ball. There are so many different things he can do, and the Nuggets have to make a point to shut him down. The Clippers offense is scary good, and they are freakishly athletic. If the Nuggs can’t play good defense tonight, they could be in for a long night.

Honestly, I think that the Clippers are going to take care of business easily at home tonight. They are hot, and can score in a hurry. The Nuggets have been very inconsistent, and it is almost impossible to pick them to win this game on the road. I hope that I am wrong, and that they can play all 4 quarters with intensity this time around. My prediction for this game is a final score of 110-103 with the Clippers winning. The Nuggets are going to need to keep pace with the high scoring Clippers, and that is what is going to decide this game. Please check in for updates, and follow along on twitter.