Nuggets – Bucks Preview
By Matt Welch
February 1, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) shoots the ball during the first half against the New Orleans Hornets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Nuggets (30-18) will look to continue their spectacular play at home tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks (25-21).
The Nuggets are 20-3 on their home court this season and they’re on a six game winning streak for the second time this season with five of those coming at home. During the current winning streak, Denver is averaging just over 113 points per game over the streak, scoring over 110 in all but two games. Danilo Gallinari has been leading the charge offensively, averaging 24.4 points in the past six games, shooting an even 50 percent from the floor. Andre Iguodala has also played at an elevated level, averaging 15.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game.
Denver has been playing solid basketball. Going into the game, they’re 4th in points, 2nd in rebounding, and 2nd in assists. Things look to be coming together for George Karl and his Nuggets.
For Milwaukee, it’s all about the guard play. Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings are both scoring just under 19 points and almost 6 assists a piece per game. The offense depends on them scoring those points and center Larry Sanders, who stared in the recently ill-reviewed “Movie 43” with Nuggets forward Corey Brewer, adding his 8.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
Matchup to Watch: Guards
If Denver can shut down Milwaukee’s guards, they’ll have it made. The Bucks can’t bang under the glass like Denver does. Their goal is to shoot and shoot often to keep the Nugget defenders at bay. If Ty Lawson, Gallinari and Iguodala step up, this will be an easy victory for the Nuggets.
Tipoff is set for 9:00 pm ET (7:00 MST) at the Pepsi Center in Denver.