Jan 1, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets small forward Kenneth Faried (35) guards Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets beat the Clippers 92-78. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Nuggets are averaging 108.8 points at home this season, just above their 105.7, which is 3rd best in the NBA. Denver has six players averaging double figures at home and have only lost three times at the Pepsi Center. Danillo Gallinari and Ty Lawson are both averaging over 15.0 points per game on the home court while Kenneth Faried is averaging a double-double with 13.7 points and 10.6 rebounds per game at home.

The last time these two team’s faced each other was New Year’s day. The Nuggets won 92-78, ending the Clippers 15-game winning streak. Denver held Chris Paul to just 10 points and Blake Griffin to just 12. Meanwhile, Gallinari scored 17 points and Faried put up 14 points and 11 rebounds. Every player on the Nuggets starting lineup scored over 10 points except one, Kosta Koufos.

The game was at home for Denver.

For the Clippers, they’re averaging 98.1 points per game on the road this season. Griffin and guard Jamal Crawford are both averaging over 18.0 points per game and Paul is averaging 16.9 per game away from the Staples Center. Their five-game road streak started with a 102-88 win over the New York Knicks but they haven’t really haven’t been met with any resistance, gaining wins over the 76ers, Lakers, Pacers, and Cleveland.

These two teams have each experienced hot streaks this season and both of them are now looking to keep their current streaks alive.

Tip-off is set for tonight at 8:30 pm MT (10:30 pm ET) from the Pepsi Center in Denver and will be aired on TNT. 

For the Denver Nuggets to have a shot in the playoffs, Ty Lawson needs to play his best ball.

With a week left in the regular season the Denver Nuggets still are battling for a playoff spot and seeking a higher seed in the NBA playoffs.

Currently the Nuggets, who are 34-28, hold the 7th seed in the West and are a game behind the Dallas Mavericks and a game and a half ahead of the Phoenix Suns – who they face Saturday at the U.S. Airways Center.

Denver would need to win three of its final four games and Dallas to lose both of its final two games to get the 6th seed. However, winning two games would at least guarantee a playoff spot for the Nuggets.

The playoffs spots are far from set, but Denver would have to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers or the Los Angeles Clippers in the opening round. The Nuggets have been competitive with Western’s Big 4, but they haven’t been too successful with just a 3-10 record. (more…)