Nuggets Look To Extend Streak Against Anthony Davis & The Pelicans
Tomorrow night, the Nuggets will march into the Smoothie King Center (yes, that is the actual name of their arena) with a three-game winning streak in tow, and they will look to push it to four.
If they pull this off they will add to their longest win streak since firing Brian Shaw. No doubt a big deal for Melvin Hunt, who will be looking to compile a compelling enough end-of-season resume to keep his job, at least for an audition next season.
The Denver Nuggets have been playing pretty good basketball as of late. Granted, their win last night came in a game in which the Western Conference number-one seed rested a number of their better players, including Most Valuable Player candidate (leader???) Stephen Curry, and his backcourt-mate Klay Thompson.
Nonetheless, you can only win the games you are in.
The New Orleans Pelicans have arguably the best player in the league on their team but he is not the only player to look at before the game tomorrow night.
The Pelicans are currently sitting at the eight spot, in the West, with the same record as the Oklahoma City Thunder. They will try to continue their assault on the win margin between the two, while the Thunder have to play sans Kevin Durant (who is expecting to return in the next week or two). They will clearly be looking for their key guys to step up — here is a look at a few guys to look to for a good game:
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Anthony Davis
Duh. One of the things that makes Anthony Davis so good is not only his ability, but the consistency with which he performs, making him the best player on the floor night in, night out. Kenneth Faried will have his hands full tonight on both ends of the floor; Davis is always a threat to dominate the boards, defensive and offensively.
In the last seven games, he’s averaged 27 points, 3.3 blocks, 4 assists and 8.7 rebounds. Good luck shutting him down, you’d be better served trying to contain him. Oh, by the way, ‘The Brow’ is averaging a double-double this year, with 24 points and ten boards.
Eric Gordon
After a horrendous start to the season, Eric Gordon has turned things around, as of late. He’s been very serviceable at 15 points and 4 assists in his last 30 games. He’s always a threat on the offensive end with his ability to get into that lane and score, or dish.
He can also knock down the wide open outside shot. Surely he’ll test the wing defense of the Nuggets.
Gordon is another player to look out for to have a big game, he can explode for 30 at any time.
Alexis Ajinca
Ajinca is a big bodied player off of the bench. He is not really a threat to score in the midrange or low post, but naturally at his size, he is a pick and roll weapon. He defends well and if nothing else, he is capable of using his six fouls.
Don’t look for him to dominate in any way, but he could have a big impact on the boards and in getting back on defense when the Nuggets try to run.
Norris Cole
A pesky little guy who makes his shots and gets inside of you on defense.
He presents a good matchup for Ty Lawson and Jameer Nelson, not just due to his size. He possesses the speed and quickness to defend end-to-end, and test the Nugget point guards on offense with his harsh attacking style.
He is a guy who won in Miami, so look for him to be a player that steps up in the Pelican playoff push. Tomorrow night should serve as no outlier; expect him to play hard even if he doesn’t have a great night statistically.
Tyreke Evans
Tyreke Evans is looking to return to the court this Sunday, against the Nuggets.
The former Rookie of the Year, is one of the players the Pelicans lean on heavily for scoring and playmaking.
He is having a pretty good season this year, averaging 16.8 points, with 6.5 assists and 5 rebounds.
His blend of size, athleticism, and speed make him a tough cover, especially against smaller guards. Don’t be surprised to see him post up the smaller guards of the Nuggets while he tries to get his sea legs back.
I wouldn’t expect mind blowing production coming off of an injury, but the Nuggets would be well served to give him noticeable attention defensively.
The Nuggets have been rolling as of late and it would be great to get the win streak up to four. The Nuggets have a plethora of guys capable of big performances. Hopefully Coach Hunt has his team ready to go after their day off.