Denver Nuggets open up preseason Monday night vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Mar 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets shooting guard Wilson Chandler (21) drives to the net against Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Jodie Meeks (20) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets look to rebound from a disastrous, injury-prone 2013-14′ season, making their preseason debut Monday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. Denver will play in a total of eight preseason games prior to opening up the regular season at home against the Detroit Pistons Oct. 29th.

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Many Nuggets’ fans like myself can’t wait to see Danilo Gallinari back but we will have to wait. According to Chris Dempsey of The Denver Post, Nuggets’ players who had season ending injuries such as Gallo, Nate Robinson, J.J. Hickson, and JaVale McGee won’t play in the preseason opener.

With those key players out, it’s all about the youth to keep an eye on. Jusuf Nurkic and Gary Harris will likely see extended playing time; both were drafted in the first round this past draft (16th and 19th overall respectively). Also, we will see a familiar face in Arron Afflalo back in the lineup — he was acquired before draft day this past offseason.

However, other notable players such as Ty Lawson, Wilson Chandler, Timofey Mozgov, Kenneth Faried, and Randy Foye are expected to be in action.

Tipoff between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California, is scheduled for 10:00 PM EST, 8:00 PM MST.