NBA Preview: Denver Nuggets (24-25) vs. Indiana Pacers (39-11)
By Andrew Dill
Jan 25, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) shoots the ball over Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) during the first half at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Nuggets-Pacers Preview
The Denver Nuggets (24-25) fell below .500 as they lost to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night by the final of 126-109. If losing wasn’t bad enough, the Nuggets would take another blow in the injury department when point guard Ty Lawson left the game right before halftime with what was at the time a lower back injury. After the game, X-rays determined Lawson had a left rib fracture which usually takes 3-to-6 weeks to heal. Lawson will not play tonight against the Indiana Pacers.
What: vs.
When: Monday, February 10th
Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Time: 7:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM MT
TV: Altitude Sports
This is the second and final meeting between the clubs this season as the Nuggets took the first game at the Pepsi Center on January 25th by the final of 109-96. Wilson Chandler scored a game-high 25 points on 8-of-15 shooting while knocking down 4-of-8 from deep. Lance Stephenson would score a team-high 23 points for the Indiana Pacers while shooting 10-of-16 from the field with 10 rebounds and 7 assists. Teammate Paul George would nearly record a triple-double with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Here is what head coach Brain Shaw said about losing Lawson in Saturdays game.
"“You could see it take the wind out of us when Ty came out of the game,” Shaw said of Lawson, who is doubtful against the Pacers. “He’s our floor leader and he’s the one who controls the pace and the tempo of the game.”"
There is still no word on the front of Andre Miller who hasn’t been with the team since they played the Miami Heat on December 31st. With Lawson and Robinson out, Denver is in need of point guard help.
"“It’s not ideal,” Connelly said. “I talk to Andre quite a bit. It’s a situation where we have to make sure whatever decision we make it’s the best for the organization. And we’re continuing to do that. There’s nothing definitive as to what is going to happen to him.”"
Projected Starting Line-ups:
Denver Nuggets (24-25)
PG: Evan Fournier
SG: Randy Foye
SF: Wilson Chandler
PF: Kenneth Faried
C: J.J. Hickson
Indiana Pacers (39-11)
PG: George Hill
SG: Lance Stephenson
SF: Paul George
PF: David West
C: Roy Hibbert