NBA Preview: Denver Nuggets (27-34) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (25-37)

Dec 27, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans power forward Anthony Davis (23) is defended by Denver Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov (25) as he drives toward the basket in the first quarter at New Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets (27-34) are currently riding a two-game win streak as point guard Ty Lawson has re-energized the club. Since returning from a fractured rib, Lawson is averaging 27 points, 11.6 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 2 steals in the last three games. Denver is coming off of an entertaining game, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers at the Pepsi Center by the final of 134-126.

What: NBA Preview:  vs. 
When: Sunday, March 9th
Where: Smoothie King Center
Time: 6:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM MT
TV: Altitude Sports

This will be the third meeting between the two teams as the series is currently tied up at one apiece. In the most recent game back on Dec. 27th, New Orleans came away with the win on their home court, 105-89. Six Pelicans’ players score in double-figures led by guard/forward Tyreke Evans. Evans would score a team-high 19 points off the bench on 7-of-17 shooting, collecting 10 assists and 2 steals. Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler would record a game-high 22 points on 7-of-20 shooting to go along with 9 rebounds and 1 steal.

The Denver Nuggets were struggling without point guard Ty Lawson as they lost 11 out of their 12 meetings before defeating the Dallas Mavericks on national television. Denver will now go on a five-game  road trip starting with the New Orleans Pelicans. Denver will have to face an up-and-coming superstar in Anthony Davis who is averaging 24.4 points per game in his teams last five contests at Smoothie King Arena.

It would take a drastic turnaround for the Nuggets to make the playoffs at this point as they sit nine games back of the Dallas Mavericks for the eighth seed. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans are out of the picture as well, sitting 3 1/2 games back of the Nuggets.

Projected Starting Lineups:

Denver Nuggets:

PG: Ty Lawson
SG: Randy Foye
SF: Wilson Chandler
PF: Kenneth Faried
C: Timofey Mozgov

New Orleans Pelicans:

PG: Brian Roberts
SG: Eric Gordon
SF: Tyreke Evans
PF: Anthony Davis
C: Alexis Ajinca