NBA Preview – Game 11: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets

Oct 8, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov (25) drives to the basket during the first half against Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (right) at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets are coming off their biggest win of the season, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road Monday night by the final score of 106-97. Interestingly enough, all three of Denver’s wins have come against teams that play in the Central Division in the Eastern Conference (Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers). Denver looks to aim for their second-straight win Wednesday night vs. Oklahoma City.

What: NBA Preview – Game 11: Oklahoma City Thunder (3-9) vs. Denver Nuggets (3-7)
When: Wednesday, November 19th
Where: Pepsi Center (Denver, Colorado)
Time: 9:00 PM EST, 7:00 PM MST
TV: Altitude Sports

The last time these two teams met back on Nov. 1st, Denver flat-out laid an egg in the first and second quarter. Denver scrapped just 33 points in two quarters of action as they trailed at the half, 55-33. Disappointing trailing a team without two of their top players in Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Denver will look to avenge their loss as they host the Thunder at home.

Denver is coming off a huge road victory over LeBron James‘ Cavaliers. Three Nuggets players finished the night with double-doubles while five finishing scoring in double-figures. Ty Lawson undoubtedly had his best game of the season, scoring 24 points on 9-of-18 shooting, including 12 assists and 2 steals. Darrell Arthur had a huge night off the bench, scoring 13 points while knocking down 3-of-4 three-pointers. Arthur also collected 11 rebounds – his first double-double of the season.

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Denver needs to contain Serge Ibaka, and if they do that, they shouldn’t have a problem. Ibaka ate them alive in the last meeting, scoring 23 points on 10-of-19 shooting, collecting just 2 rebounds and 1 block. Perry Jones had a surprise game, adding 20 points of his own on 8-of-17 shooting. And who could forget, Kendrick Perkins scored 17 points off the bench which is unacceptable. Perkins is a career 5.7 points per game type of guy – not a scoring threat.

Denver must come prepared and not lackadaisical like they did against Oklahoma City on the road. Set the tempo early and use the altitude to their advantage.

Projected Starting Lineups:

Oklahoma City Thunder (3-9):

PG: Reggie Jackson
SG: Jeremy Lamb
SF: Lance Thomas
PF: Serge Ibaka
C: Steven Adams

Denver Nuggets (3-7):

PG: Ty Lawson
SG: Arron Afflalo
SF: Wilson Chandler
PF: Kenneth Faried
C: Timofey Mozgov

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