Nuggets – Rockets Preview
By Matt Welch
The Denver Nuggets (28-18) are seeking their fifth straigh win when they take on the Houston Rockets (25-22) Wednesday night at the Pepsi Center in Denver.
Jan 23, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Denver Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson (3) brings the ball up the court during the third quarter as Houston Rockets point guard Patrick Beverley (12) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Nuggets are 2-0 against the Rockets this season, beating them by a combined 16 points. Denver is scoring an average of 112.3 since the last time they lost. Both the Nuggets and Rockets are in the top five in scoring for the season with the Rockets ranking second and the Nuggets ranking fourth.
Ty Lawson has undoubtedly been the leader for the Nuggets during the last four games. He’s averaging 19 points and 7.3 assists per game since losing to the Wizards. Andre Iguodala has also been playing up to his potential lately, averaging 14 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game over the current winning streak. In Monday night’s game, he hit a game winning free throw in the final seconds to lift the Nuggets over the Indiana Pacers. JaVale McGee and Wilson Chandler are listed as day-to-day for the game so look for the Nuggets to play their starters more.
The Rockets are still being led by James Harden. He’s been consistent all season but hasn’t played too well against the Nuggets this season. He’s only averaged 19 points in the previous two matchups. Harden is hoping to change that this time around.
Stat to Watch: Fastbreak Points
Both of these teams like to get out and run the floor. They like to score a lot of points and push the tempo at the same time. Keep an eye on the guards during this game and expect a high scoring affair.
Tipoff is set for 9:00 p.m. EST (7:00 p.m. MST) at the Pepsi Center in Denver.