Denver Nuggets: Nurkic-Drummond Will Be the Key Matchup

Jan 23, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) shoots the ball against Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first half at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) shoots the ball against Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first half at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets are in for a fun game against the Detroit Pistons, and the Nurkic-Drummond matchup will be the key to watch for.

After a 2-2 start to the season, the Denver Nuggets are ready and set to play their third straight road game against the Detroit Pistons.

With that said, the Nuggets have struggled to contain big time stars so far this season, and their matchup with the Pistons presents another one. Andre Drummond will be able to face off against Jusuf Nurkic.

More from Nugg Love

While not a scoring machine, Drummond has brought down 13.6 rebounds per game. Drummond is the first mobile big man that Nurkic has faced. For Nurkic, his match ups have been Omer Asik, Mason Plumlee, and Gorgui Dieng- while each are solid bigs, none quite as solid as Drummond.

Nurkic has been a beast so far this season averaging 16.5 points per game and 10.3 rebounds per game. As Nurkic continues to dominate, it will be interesting to see how he performs against one of the leagues better big men.

Since Denver has relied on Nurkic’s scoring and defense at times, if Drummond can take him out of the game, it will be a huge factor in this matchup. With both teams also having a solid stretch four in Nikola Jokic and Markieff Morris, the paint will be open for the towers to operate.

Must Read: Nuggets: 2 Things Denver Must Do to Succeed

Follow our Twitter for live updates throughout the game and check back in for a post-game recap on your Denver Nuggets.