Nuggets – Clippers Preview
By Matt Welch
The Denver Nuggets (40-22) will put their 12-game home winning streak on the line against the Los Angeles Clippers (44-19) who have won five straight on the road.
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.