NBA Preview: Denver Nuggets (24-26) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (24-28)
By Andrew Dill
Nov 27, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love (42) backs down on Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) during the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nuggets-Wolves Preview
The Denver Nuggets (24-26) have fallen into a rough patch of late, losing three-straight and losing their best player in Ty Lawson due to injury. The All-Star break is just right around the corner which is exactly what Denver needs. They are coming off of a blow-out performance to the East leading Indiana Pacers who dominated from start to finish. Wilson Chandler finished with a team-high 17 points on 6-of-19 shooting, collecting 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
What: vs.
When: Wednesday, February 12th
Where: Target Center
Time: 8:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM MT
TV Altitude Sports
This is the third of four meetings between the two teams this year as Denver has won both games thus far. In their last meeting on November 27th, the Nuggets defeated the Wolves by the final of 117-110. Ty Lawson led the way for Denver with 23 points on 7-of-15 shooting, converting 8 of his 10 free-throw attempts. Denver’s starting five would all score in double-digits; Lawson (23), Wilson Chandler (14), Kenneth Faried (13), J.J. Hickson (10), and Randy Foye (10).
Here is what head coach Brian Shaw had to say about his team’s recent injuries and production via ESPN.
"“We’re not healthy, our numbers are down,” said coach Brian Shaw, whose team is also missing backup point guard Nate Robinson (sprained ACL). “We’re short-handed at certain positions, but with that being said, we still have to show some fight.”"
The Minnesota Timberwolves on the other hand are struggling as well, losing in six of their last seven contests. Here is what star power forward Kevin Love had to say about the importance of winning this game.
"“It’s burning the candle at both ends basically, with there being less and less games and we just can’t continue to lose,” said Love, averaging 31.4 points and 14.7 rebounds over his last seven games. “Hopefully we’ll win this game on Wednesday and we’ll go into the break, get a few days rest and guys will continue to get healthy, get a little break with their mind and body.”"
Projected Starting Line-Ups:
Denver Nuggets (24-26)
PG: Randy Foye
SG: Quincy Miller
SF: Wilson Chandler
PF: Kenneth Faried
C: J.J. Hickson
Minnesota Timberwolves (24-28)
PG: Ricky Rubio
SG: Chase Budinger
SF: Corey Brewer
PF: Kevin Love
C: Ronny Turiaf