January 20, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) posts up against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westrbook (0) during the overtime period at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 121-118 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Denver might be without their top scorer once again on Friday, as Danilo Gallinari is still nursing a thigh bruise. But Ty Lawson is right up there with him and will be called upon to have another great night. The Nuggets floor general is averaging 25.0 points over the past five games. If Gallo sits out, Wilson Chandler could see a rise in his numbers. He’s averaging 15.0 points over the past two games. Another player who might see some more time on the court is Corey Brewer, who’s averaging 12.0 points over the past two games.

For the Thunder, Kevin Durant continues to play strong. He’s averaging just over 21 points, 11 boards and 7 assists per game. He racked up a triple-double the last time the Thunder took the court. Russell Westbrook is still continuing to make the case for being crowned as the best point guard in the league. He’s averaging just under 30 points per game over the Thunder’s current three-game winning streak.

Match-up to Watch: Point Guard

Lawson hasn’t fared well against Westbrook and the Thunder this season. During the two games, he’s only averaged 6.5 points and 5.0 assists. On the other side, Westbrook has played extremely well against the Nuggets. He’s averaged 34.0 points and 6.5 assists in the previous two match-ups. These two will be going at it all night, and with both players on hot streaks at the moment, it’ll be interesting to see who gets the upper-hand.

Tip-off is set for 10:30 pm ET (8:30 MT) from the Pepsi Center in Denver on ESPN. 

The loss was so embarrassing that Danilo Gallinari and Kenneth Faried left the arena before the media even had access to the locker room. The Nuggets knew they had to shift their focus to the present and forget what happened in the past. Despite a two-game losing streak, the Nuggets welcomed in the first place Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Nuggets got off to a hot start, but thanks to Corey Brewer’s 26 points off the bench, the Nuggets were able to hold off Kevin Durant and the Thunder’s comeback attempt in overtime.

The story of the game however wasn’t Brewer or even beating the reigning Western Conference champions. It was the introduction of a new enemy in Denver. Agent Zero (Not Gilbert Arenas), Russell Westbrook.

Four days earlier, Westbrook dropped 32 points on the Denver defense as he shot 60 percent from the field in Oklahoma City’s commanding 20-point victory. As an encore, Westbrook dropped 36 points at the Pepsi Center with nine assists as he, along with Durant, kept the Thunder in the game.

While his play alone was getting on the Nuggets nerves, what he did to the Nuggets mascot, Rocky, was the last straw.

Jan 27, 2011; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets mascot Rocky entertains the crowd late in the fourth quarter of the game against Toronto Raptors at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the 96-81. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

With the game in the waning minutes of regulation, the teams were in the middle of a timeout. The Nuggets mascot, widely considered one of the best in the business, lined up for a half-court shot that he’s made time and time again. After breaking the huddle, Westbrook decided to break up Rocky’s shot attempt — twice.

Not only did Westbrook break up the shot, but he cost the fans a chance to get free queso. The game was outstanding and a real treat to fans that attended in Denver, but a chance at free queso. How can you top that?

Westbrook took the ball on the second attempt and chucked it into the stands before talking trash with fans. Westbrook went on to cement his status of bad guy as he hit a three-pointer to send the game into overtime.

The Nuggets and their fans would get the last laugh however as the Nuggets would hold on for the win. But with Westbrook’s antics, and more importantly his game, the Nuggets have to solve him twice more this season. While Westbrook had the 36 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, he also had seven turnover. Something the Nuggets will have to force more of going forward.

Oh and as for Westbrook and his reputation in Denver?

“Russell made a lot of friends here,” Nuggets coach George Karl said to the Denver Post. “He’s a feisty guy who likes to create intensity. I like intensity. I’m sure the next time we’ll have some locker room talk.

“I saw him block the shot and then he threw the ball into the crowd. I know in the rule book it says you’re not allowed to throw the ball into the crowd.”