NBA Preview: Denver Nuggets (19-17) vs. Utah Jazz (12-26)

Dec 13, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson (3) controls the ball against Utah Jazz point guard Trey Burke (3) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets (19-17) are hot of late and look to extend their winning streak to six-games tonight as they travel to Utah to take on the Jazz. The Nuggets expect to get small forward Wilson Chandler back in the line-up tonight after missing the last game against the Orlando Magic with a groin strain. Chandler will be coming off of the bench as the Nuggets don’t want to rush him. Power forward Darrell Arthur did not travel with the team so he will be out the next two games due to a groin strain as well. Anthony Randolph will also sit out due to an ankle injury. Expect Wilson Chandler to play some power-forward tonight and Quincy Miller to get more minutes.

What: Regular Season: Denver Nuggets at Utah Jazz
When: Monday, January 13th
Where: Energy Solutions Arena
Time: 9:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM MT
TV: Altitude Sports

Randy Foye has been on a tear on the team’s five-game win streak as the guard has averaged 18.4 points per game while the team is scoring nearly 119.6 points per game during that stretch. Foye couldn’t find his jumper or rhythm during the teams first month of games, as he averaged just 8.9 points per game. Denver is starting to get hot at the right time, making up for the eight-game skid they suffered prior to the win streak. The Denver Nuggets are currently the 9th seed in the Western Conference as they trail the Dallas Mavericks by an even 2 games.

In Quincy Miller’s second start in his NBA career, the 21-year-old would have a breakout game. The former Baylor Bear would play a career-high 36 minutes against the Orlando Magic, shooting 5-for-13 from the field but a woeful 0-for-6 from downtown. He would however make all six of his free-throws bringing in career-highs in points and rebounds with 16-and-11. Evan Fournier has been a gem off of the bench of late for rookie head coach Brian Shaw. In the team’s last five games, Fournier has averaged 21.0 minutes per game, shooting 58.1% percent from the field, including 60.0% percent from three (12-20). He would also score 13.4 points per game, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.

In Utah’s last game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, four of their starting five scoring in double-figures. Forward Richard Jefferson scored a team-high 18 points, followed by Trey Burke (17), Alec Burks (16), and Derrick Favors (12). Back-up center Enes Kanter was a key contributor off of the bench as he recorded a double-double, 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Projected Starting Line-Ups:

Denver Nuggets:

PG: Ty Lawson
SG: Randy Foye
SF: Quincy Miller
PF: Kenneth Faried
C: J.J. Hickson

Utah Jazz:

PG: Trey Burke
SG: Alec Burks
SF: Richard Jefferson
PF: Marvin Williams
C: Derrick Favors