Preview: Portland Trail Blazers @ Denver Nuggets
February 1, 2011 — PDXPIPELINEBy Andy Popp
GAME 49: Blazers (26-22) @ Denver Nuggets (28-20)
February 2, 6PM, KGW
Previous match-up(s):
Thursday, November 18th Portland 86 Denver 83
Tuesday, December 28th Portland 77 Denver 95
Related: Blazers Games, Schedule,WIN Tickets
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The Blazers follow their best win of the year last night against the San Antonio Spurs with their second game in as many days against their division rival Denver Nuggets.
The Nuggets are in the middle of a very strange season; Carmelo Anthony, their marquee player, is on his way out and the Nuggets' front office has been on the phone every day attempting to get as much value as they possibly can in return. All this has caused a huge off-court distraction and probably cost the team a few wins.
The Nuggets on paper:
Starting five: Kenyon Martin, J.R. Smith, Nene, Chauncey Billups, Aaron Afflalo
Off the bench: Chris Andersen, Shelden Williams, Gary Forbes, Ty Lawson
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
The Nuggets were embarrassed by the New Jersey Nets (a possible destination for Carmelo Anthony) Monday night 99-115. They've had a day to reflect and will probably come out tonight with a chip on their shoulder.
STRATEGY
he Blazers are going to need Wes Matthews and Nicolas Batum to find new legs to check Carmelo Anthony. Good three point shooting from the bench will go a long way tonight towards back-to-back victories.
LET'S GET RICH
To date: 22-16-2
Blazers +8.5. A lot of points for the Blazers. I'll take them.
TRADE ME
Rudy Fernandez
NUMBER OF BACK TO BACKS THIS SEASON (IN SETS)
12
NEXT 5
@ Indiana
@ Cleveland
vs Chicago
@ Toronto
@ Detroit
BOTTOM LINE
A win tonight would be great, but the Blazers are playing with house money after handling the San Antonio Spurs yesterday.
