NBA Preview: Memphis Grizzlies (14-17) vs. Denver Nuggets (14-17)
By Andrew Dill
Mar 15, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson (3) with the ball during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 87-80. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Nuggets (14-17) look to snap their eight-game losing streak Friday night as they host the Memphis Grizzlies (14-17). The Nuggets are averaging just 93.5 points during their eight-game slide, shooting just 41.1% percent from the field. Meanwhile, their defense has been in a flux, giving up 105.6 points per game.
What: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Denver Nuggets
When: Friday, January 3rd
Where: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado
Time: 9:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM MT
TV: Altitude Sports
During Denver’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Andre Miller lost his cool on the bench about not being played by rookie head coach Brian Shaw, as he felt disrespected. The next day, Denver Nuggets general manager Tim Connelly announced the veteran point-guard would be suspended for the team’s next two games, due to Conduct Detrimental to the Team. There is speculation that the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors are interested in the 37-year-old.
The Nuggets are facing a team in the Grizzlies that are hot of late, winning four out of their last six games. The Grizzlies would host the Nuggets last Saturday and blew them out by the final score of 120-99. Zach Randolph led the way for Memphis with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. His back-up Ed Davis would come off the bench hot, shooting 6-of-8 from the field with 17 points. Ty Lawson would lead the charge for Denver, scoring 20 points while adding 8 assists and 3 steals. Wilson Chandler would also play well for the Nuggets, knocking down 6-of-14 from the field, including 3-of-6 from deep, finishing with 19 points and 4 rebounds.
"“Everybody got their feelings out. Everybody said what needed to be said,” point guard Ty Lawson said. “Hopefully everybody can take that to heart and change so we can start getting wins. It’s always healthy to get things out and get everything in the open. Hopefully, this will be a turning point for the rest of the season.”"
Projected Starting Line-ups:
Memphis Grizzlies:
Point Guard: Mike Conley
Shooting Guard: Tony Allen
Small Forward: Tayshaun Prince
Power Forward: Zach Randolph
Center: Kosta Koufos
Denver Nuggets:
Point Guard: Ty Lawson
Shooting Guard: Randy Foye
Small Forward: Wilson Chandler
Power Forward: Kenneth Faried
Center: J.J. Hickson