Game Preview: Nuggets at Jazz
By Mathew Huff
The Nuggets are back in action as they travel to Utah.
The Denver Nuggets will be seeking revenge from the first regular season game of the year. They return to Utah for a division match up. Both teams will look drastically different than the last time they played each other.
The Jazz are without their star in Rudy Gobert and Denver is missing Paul Millsap. As a result, expect both teams to be looking to their bench for other means of production.
Utah has been a great three point shooting team this season. Denver’s defense must be cautious and be ready to rotate to the open shooter and contest shots.
The Jazz will also have their hands full. Nikola Jokic has been on a whole other level recently. Without Rudy Gobert to provide rim protection, they will have to devise a different plan to contain Jokic. Do not be surprised if Jokic has another game where he nearly gets a triple double. Utah simply doesn’t have the firepower to slow down the Joker, so we will see what defensive looks they throw at him.
One player the Nuggets have to be careful of is Ricky Rubio. Rubio is one of the most underrated facilitators in the game. Rubio torched the Nuggets’ defense in their first meeting with his passing, so the Nuggets must find a different defense to throw his way. Otherwise, he will cut through the defense like butter once again. Needless to say, Jamal Murray and Emmanuel Mudiay will have to be prepared.
Gary Harris will also be key as Denver will look to him for much more scoring now that they are without Millsap. Not to mention, he will need to take some of the pressure off of Jokic.
Next: Time for Faried to see the floor
This is shaping up to be a fun game and we will see the depth of both teams in this match up.