NBA Preview: Portland Trailblazers (38-18) vs. Denver Nuggets (25-30)

Jan 23, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Denver Nuggets small forward Wilson Chandler (21) shoots a there point basket over Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Wesley Matthews (2) in the first quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets (25-30) have lost their last two games as they try to defeat a top team in the western conference — the Portland Trailblazers. The Blazers are off to a surprising 38-18 start as they have only lost seven games on their home court. The Nuggets meanwhile just can’t put together a complete effort as Brian Shaw continues to shuffle up his lineup with Ty Lawson still out with a fractured rib.

What: NBA Preview:  vs. 
When: Tuesday, February 25th
Where: Pepsi Center
Time: 9:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM MT
TV: Altitude Sports

This is game number three of four meetings between the two Northwest Division rivals as the Trailblazers have taken both games. In their most recent meeting back on Jan. 23th, LaMarcus Aldridge would have an impressive game, scoring 44 points on 15-of-29 shooting, knocking down 14-of-17 shots from the charity stripe while collecting 13 rebounds and 5 assists. Wilson Chandler led the way for Denver scoring a game-high 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting, collecting 3 rebounds and 1 block.

Denver’s head coach Brian Shaw has decided to mix up the lineup a bit, starting center Timofey Mozgov in J.J. Hickson spot. Hickson has struggled in the Nuggets past two games, shooting 3-of-11 from the field scoring just 7 points to go with 9 total rebounds. Mozgov will get a chance to prove he belongs in the starting lineup for the remainder of the season. Hickson will likely backup Kenneth Faried at the power forward position while newly acquired Jan Vesely will backup at the center position.

The Trailblazers are coming off of a home win over the division rival Minnesota Timberwolves. Damian Lillard would score a game-high 32 points on 11-of-17 shooting, knocking down 5-of-8 three-pointers. LaMarcus Aldridge did not play as he is suffering from a left groin strain and will be doubtful for tonight’s match-up.

Projected Starting Lineups:

Portland Trailblazers:

PG: Damian Lillard
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Nicolas Batum
PF: Dorell Wright
C: Robin Lopez

Denver Nuggets:

PG: Aaron Brooks
SG: Randy Foye
SF: Wilson Chandler
PF: Kenneth Faried
C: Timofey Mozgov