Nuggets Vs. Lakers Preview

Jan 5, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson (3) drives the ball defended by Los Angeles Lakers guard Kendall Marshall (12) during the first period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

The Nuggets are coming off of a win against the Dallas Mavericks. The win is huge for a few reasons. The Mavs are a playoff team, and beating them has to make the Nuggets feel pretty good. For tonights game, they will be taking on the Los Angles Lakers. The Lakers have been struggling themselves due to major injures, and it is quite possible that the Nuggets grab their second win in a row.

Ty Lawson is the x-factor for the Nuggets. Since he has returned, he has rejuvenated the Nuggets offense, and they look like a completely different group. They are scoring more points with him, and it looks like they will be winning more games with him. His play has been terrific but other Nuggets need to step up.

A player who needs to step up is Wilson Chandler. Chandler could easily be scoring around 20 game, but he just hasn’t been that guy this year. The skills are clearly there, but he needs to get his act together. In this game in particular, I want to see Kenneth Faried play well again. He has been remarkable lately and I am interested to see if he can once again put on a show on the offensive side of the ball for Denver.

The Lakers are playing awful this season. Why is that? Well Kobe Bryant has only played in a handful of games for one, and secondly, the rest of the roster just stinks. It is shocking to see the Lakers playing so badly, but they have had some bright spots. Pau Gasol has been forced to lead the team this season and he is averaging 17 points per game. The Nuggets will need to contain him if they want to win their second game in a row.

The Nuggets will win their second game in a row tonight. The Lakers are slumping, and with Ty Lawson back in the line-up this is a completely different squad. I’m predicting a Nuggets win by a score of 117-109. Be sure to follow along, and check for updates on twitter @Nugg_Love.