Flash previews: Denver Nuggets schedule for this week
Nugg Love takes a glance at the games scheduled for the Denver Nuggets this week.
Following last week’s successful 3-1 record, the Denver Nuggets seek to imitate its overall performance. However, the schedule, at least on paper, indicates a rockier road ahead. Last week’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers was undoubtedly the toughest team during that four-game stretch.
This time around, the forecast shows three playoff-caliber teams in Denver’s horizon. Unlike last week’s pool of lottery-bound franchises, this group will push the Nuggets to its limit. Denver has a chance to right some wrongs from earlier in the season, specifically on the seventh day.
The three teams possess a combined 46-32 record. A schedule equivalent to when your boss assigns you off three consecutive days only to have you work the next 10. Denver needs to push itself to the next level, and this string of games could create inspiring basketball.
With the help of Nugg Love’s player of the week, Nikola Jokic, it’s plausible a sweep is in play. As discussed in the given link, Denver’s franchise player gives hopes to Nuggets fans wishing for a spike in the otherwise underwhelming numbers from the Serbian center.
Nugg Love gives you micro-reviews of the games for the week’s schedule.
Orlando Magic
Despite the Orlando Magic currently suffering from injuries, the playoff-hopeful Eastern Conference squad still provides some discomfort in the form of defense. Expect a lower scoring affair with two motivated defensive teams on the slate for Wednesday evening.
Although the matchup isn’t quite the battle of the clones, there are some subtle similarities. Both teams have irritants on the wing and an overseas center. The two centers share the same name, but not the same game.
The battle of the Nikolas, although not worthy of the hype of Chris Paul versus Stephen Curry of a few seasons ago, will provide fans contrasting play styles. Jokic, the best passing big in the league versus Vucevic, comfortable with posting on the block.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The theme of this group of teams is not only playoff focused franchises but also “let’s test Nikola Jokic’s competitive spirit ” week.
After a hot start, the Minnesota Timberwolves are in the midst of a seven-game free fall. Ironically, regardless of the putrid losing streak, Minnesota’s answer for Jokic, Karl-Anthony Towns, sends this game to another dimension.
Not only is the two-time NBA All-Star recording a career-high in 8.5 three-point attempts per game, but he is also converting 41 percent, quite the impressive mark. Towns’ floor-stretching ability will cause a ripple in the rebound game, with Jokic’s focus defending the perimeter.
Los Angeles Lakers
The king of the Western Conference finishes the week for an already challenged Denver Nuggets team. LeBron James‘ Los Angeles Lakers confidently host the Nuggets, especially after the last contest between the two.
Last time the two Western Conference met, Will Barton openly expressed the need for Jokic’s offensive participation in light of a loss to the Lakers. Jokic seemingly answered the call from his teammate with his performance from last week.
However, the athletic depth chart of Los Angeles’ center rotation bodes trouble for Jokic. Davis is on an MVP-caliber run, and the combination of Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee is quite the formidable three-headed monster.