The Nuggets look to build on a two-game winning streak against Dallas (7pm, Pepsi Center.)
The Denver Nuggets come in at 25-23, holding on to the 8th seed in the Western Conference. They are one game ahead of the Clippers and three games behind the Thunder in 5th. The 4-9 seed (10 if we include Utah) remain very close in the standings. The Mavericks are 16-33, 14th in the West, they are on a two-game losing streak.
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The Nuggets are led by Gary Harris, with 17.2 ppg, Nikola Jokic at 10.3 rpg and 5.1 apg. The Mavericks leaders are: Harrison Barnes, at 18.3 ppg and 6.8 rpg and JJ Barea, with 5.4 apg.
The teams last met on Jan 16, 2018, with the Nuggets winning 105-102. Nikola Jokic posted a monster game with 29, 18 and 7. The Mavericks, led by Dennis Smith, Jr.’s 25 stalled on a late charge.
The Mavericks will be without the services of Nerlens Noel, Devin Harris, Seth Curry and Dorian Finney-Smith. The Nuggets are without Paul Millsap and Tyler Lydon. Monte Morris and Kenneth Faried are probable.
The Nuggets boast an 18-6 Home record, while the Mavericks have posted a 6-16 road record.
Probable starting lineups:
Denver:
Mason Plumlee – C
Nikola Jokic – PF
Will Barton – SF
Gary Harris – SG
Jamal Murray – PG
Dallas:
Dirk Nowitzki – C
Maxi Kleber – PF
Harrison Barnes – SF
Wesley Matthews – SG
Dennis Smith, Jr. – PG
The Mavericks played last night, losing to the Blazers, 107-93. The Nuggets last played Thursday, overcoming the Knicks 130-118.
Next: Nuggets would be scary with Kawhi Leonard part two
Denver Coach Michael Malone has stated that he’d like to see the team return to a faster pace. Since that proclamation, the Nuggets have won 2 straight, averaging 117 points in those contests. Look for the Nuggets to continue to press on the offensive side of the ball. Defensively, the Nuggets are allowing 105.8 ppg for the season, ranking 14th in the NBA. They continue to look to find a consistent defensive presence in Paul Millsap’s absence.