NBA Preview: Brooklyn Nets (26-29) vs. Denver Nuggets (25-31)

Dec 3, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Denver Nuggets small forward Wilson Chandler (21) and power forward J.J. Hickson (7) box out Brooklyn Nets power forward Kevin Garnett (2) during a free throw attempt during the second half at Barclays Center. The Nuggets won the game 111-87. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets (25-31) played an encouraging basketball game in wake of Brian Shaw‘s comments on the team’s lack of interest in the game. They played a closely contested game in the fourth where they stormed back by outscoring the Trailblazers 26-18, but couldn’t overcome the third quarter as they fell 100-95. J.J. Hickson had a monster night on the glass for the Denver Nuggets, recording 25 rebounds — 15 of which were offensive rebounds which is the most in the NBA this season.

What: NBA Preview: vs. 
When: Thursday, February 27th
Where: Pepsi Center
Time: 10:30 PM ET, 8:30 PM MT
TV: TNT

This is the second and final meeting this season between the Brooklyn Nets and Denver Nuggets as Denver would dominate the Nets back on Dec. 3rd, 111-87. Timofey Mozgov stole the show off of the bench for Denver, scoring 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting, knocking down all five free-throw attempts. The Russian center would also record 20 rebounds in the game — 14 defensive and 6 offensive. Nets shooting guard Joe Johnson would record a game-high 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting, but struggled from the three-point line as he went 1-of-6.

While Denver has dealt with injuries galore, newly acquired point guard Aaron Brooks has done a fine job filling in for the injured star point guard Ty Lawson. Brooks has averaged 13.3 points, 5.0 assists, and 2.6 rebounds in his first three games as a Denver Nugget. Lawson is doubtful to play tonight against the Brooklyn Nets as he continues to heal from a fractured left rib.

Brooklyn just played the Portland Trailblazers last night and it did not go so well. The Trailblazers would rout the Nets by the final of 124-80. The Nuggets will be seeing point guard Deron Williams who was not in the lineup when the Nuggets faced them back in December.

Projected Starting Lineups:

Brooklyn Nets:

PG: Deron Williams
SG: Shaun Livingston
SF: Joe Johnson
PF: Paul Pierce
C:Kevin Garnett

Denver Nuggets:

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