The Denver Nuggets will battle the Pelicans, who will be without their best player, Anthony Davis.
With that in mind, the question that presents itself is the Denver Nuggets’ ability to take advantage of Anthony Davis’ absence?
While on paper, their chances are incrementally better, that does not automatically guarantee a win over the red hot New Orleans Pelicans.
Like the Nuggets, they too boast young talent and have a couple nice assets in Jrue Holiday and Nikola Mirotic. If the Denver Nuggets truly want to take advantage of this opportunity, they have to run their offense through the low post.
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We already knew Nikola Jokic was going to get plenty of touches, but now, it is time to unleash Paul Millsap on the offensive end. He may be struggling, but going up against a Pelicans’ front court without Anthony Davis could be a good confidence booster for him.
So far this season, Millsap is averaging 10.2 points per game, 8.4 rebounds per game, 5.8 defensive rebounds per game along with a defensive rating of 100. He has been solid defensively, but his offensive game is leaving a lot to be desired so far.
If the Nuggets run their offense through him and Nikola Jokic, then that could change as the Pelicans’ front court is already going to be in for a tough night. Millsap will most likely be matched up with Mirotic which will be intriguing to say the least.
Mirotic has been on an offensive tear averaging 23.8 points per game. As alluded to already, Millsap is the defensive anchor down low which will be an interesting clash of styles. Mirotic is not the best defensive presence as he only averages 0.2 steals per game along with a defensive rating of 115. As a result, this gives Millsap a chance to find his footing offensively.
All in all though, it will be up to coach Malone and the guards to get the ball down low to Jokic and Millsap and let them go to work. Or, at the very least, run a play which will free them up for an open jump shot or give them an opportunity to hit a cutting player to the basket.
With Anthony Davis out with an injury, this is the way the Denver Nuggets can take advantage of New Orleans’ depleted front court.