 |
| A big reason as to why the Nuggets have underperformed so much this season is that Danilo Gallinari has yet to appear in a game due to debilitating knee injury |
When: 10:30 PM EST; Thursday, February 27th, 2014
Where: Pepsi Center; Denver, CO
TV: YES Network/TNT
Last night in Portland, the Nets got thoroughly embarrassed, and lost by 44, their largest margin of defeat so far this season. Even though Brooklyn was fully healthy (obviously sans Brook) and even saw Marcus Thornton's team debut, the Nets played with absolutely no passion, energy, or even much effort. Meanwhile, in front of their strong home crowd, a shorthanded Blazers team did the exact opposite, which is why they were up 24 at halftime and almost double that at the end of regulation.
However, tonight brings a new game for the Nets, one in Denver against a struggling and injured Nuggets team under Brian Shaw, a rookie coach. Danilo Gallinari (knee) hasn't played a game yet this season, and isn't likely to, while Nate Robinson and JaVale McGee are out for the year with their own ailments. A major coach-player conflict between former Nugget and current Wizard Andre Miller and Shaw was a big distraction for this team for much of this season as well. Put all these elements together, and you get a Denver team massively underperforming at 25-31.
Probable Lineups
BKN- Deron Williams (PG), Shaun Livingston (SG), Joe Johnson (SF), Paul Pierce (PF), Kevin Garnett (C)
DEN- Aaron Brooks (PG), Randy Foye (SG), Wilson Chandler (SF), Kenneth Faried (PF), Timofey Mozgov (C)
Final Thoughts
Kevin Garnett just played 14 minutes last night, so he'll surprisingly get the start even in the 2nd game of a back-to-back. Just another reason as to why the Nets need, and have no excuse not to, play well tonight and earn a much-needed road win. The Nuggets may be young and athletic, but there's no reason for Brooklyn to not show up with energy in order to put away a weaker opponent. Also, Ty Lawson is out with a fractured rib.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
