NBA Preview – Game 3: Sacramento Kings vs. Denver Nuggets

Feb 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) battles Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) for position during the first half against the Sacramento Kings at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets look to bounce back after a disastrous road loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder who were without their best two players – Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.  Denver made a late comeback in the fourth that came up short, losing 102-91 for their first loss of the season. Now their focus shifts to the Sacramento Kings.

What: NBA Preview – Game 3: Sacramento Kings (2-1) vs. Denver Nuggets (1-1)
When: Monday, November 3rd
Where: Pepsi Center (Denver, Colorado)
Time: 9:00 PM EST, 7:00 PM MST
TV: Altitude Sports

Despite collecting their first loss of the season Saturday night, point guard Ty Lawson bounced back in a big way. Lawson scored 25 points on 8-of-12 shooting, recording 5 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal in 35 minutes of play. After a huge double-double performance opening night, power forward Kenneth Faried was relatively quiet, recording just 7 points on 3-of-8 shooting, hauling down 6 rebounds and blocking 2 shots.

The Kings strut into Denver coming off a big win over the Portland Trailblazers. Kings forward Rudy Gay had a night to remember, scoring 40 points on 13-of-19 shooting; he also went 11-of-13 from the charity stripe. His teammates DeMarcus Cousins and Darren Collison recorded 17 points each in the win.

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• Denver Nuggets: 3 Things to do if they Lose to Portland

After Denver held the Detroit Pistons to 79 points on opening night, they gave up 103 to the Thunder without two of the top scorers in the league. In order to win, you must be able to defend, which is why I’m hoping Brian Shaw unleashes first-round pick Gary Harris. Harris has been inactive the past two games due to Shaw wanting more flexibility with post-players – Erick Green has also been inactive.

Projected Starting Lineups:

Sacramento Kings (2-1):

PG: Darren Collison
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins

Denver Nuggets (1-1):

PG: Ty Lawson
SG: Arron Afflalo
SF: Danilo Gallinari
PF: Kenneth Faried
C: Timofey Mozgov

Tip-off between the Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets is scheduled for 9:00 PM EST, 7:00 PM MST.