Preview: Denver Nuggets try to bounce back against Clippers
By Asher Levy
The Denver Nuggets got embarrassed last night against the Memphis Grizzlies when they got played off the court in the first half. It was a blowout from front to back, and the Nuggets ended up losing 112-94, but it wasn’t that close. It was truly a night to forget for everyone involved, and luckily the NBA doesn’t leave much room to breath. They won’t be able to ruminate on this loss for too long because they’re set to take on the Clippers tonight.
The Nuggets will likely be hungry to bounce back, and while they still have a 5 game lead on the Grizzlies, they can’t rest on their laurels. Tonight’s game is important, and games against Western Conference teams will be more important down the stretch. Home court advantage will be important for the franchise due to the splits of how well they play at the home as opposed to on the road.
As for tonight, the Nuggets will continue to be without their primary defender for Kawhi Leonard in Aaron Gordon. He’s missed six straight games now, and there’s no established timetable for his return. That means that he should be back soon, and is likely considered game-to-game by the team. It’s important that he gets right before the final stretch of the regular season and playoffs, and the team should give him all the time he needs before he’s 100%.
The Clippers will be without their primary defender for Nikola Jokic too though, as Ivicia Zubac is out for tonight’s contest. Both teams aren’t 100%, and while the Nuggets are missing the more important piece, Zubac does matter for the Clippers. If the Nuggets were to lose it wouldn’t be due to injury. Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Christian Braun have also joined AG and Zeke Nnaji on the injury report, but are considered probable.
Who, What, Where, Etc.
Who: Denver Nuggets (42-19, 27-4 home), vs Los Angeles Clippers (33-29, 18-15 away)
Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
When: 8:00 PM MST
How to Watch: ESPN, Altitude Sports
Injuries: DEN – Aaron Gordon (rib contusion) OUT, Zeke Nnaji (shoulder sprain) OUT, Jamal Murray (right knee inflammation) PROBABLE, Michael Porter Jr. (left heal strain injury management) PROBABLE, Christian Braun (left thumb contusion) PROBABLE
LAC – Ivicia Zubac (calf) OUT