Nuggets @ Hornets pregame
by Nate Timmons on Jan 28, 2009 12:40 PM MST
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Nuggets have chance to rob the Hornets hive
In the Western Conference playoff seedings may come down to tiebreakers. Tonight’s game against the New Orleans Hornets is a pivotal one for the Nuggets. With the season series tied at 1-1 tonight’s game will go a long way in determining who will have the upper hand on the series when these two teams square off again March 25 (game 72 for Denver).
Like Billups has been telling his teammates all season, playoff-positioning starts now. Both teams are coming in banged up. The Hornets will be without forward David West because of back spasms (20 ppg and 7 rpg) and center Tyson Chandler will miss the game due to his sprained ankle (8 ppg and 8 rpg). The Hornets must find a way to replace their combined 28 points and 15 rebounds per game.
In their absence Chris Paul and Peja Stojakovic have really stepped their games up. Peja has been averaging 19.8 points and shooting a lights out 46% (18-39) from three-point range in his last five games; considering on the season he averages 13 points and 41% three-point shooting.
And Chris Paul has been even better averaging 25.8 points and 11.6 assists in his last five games (on the season he averages 21.3 points and 11.1 assists per game). And Paul is coming off a near quadruple-double against the 76’ers Monday night (27 points, 15 assists, 10 rebounds, and 7 steals).
Denver’s Mile-High Sports radio had the Hornets announcer on and he explained that Paul and Peja have been the ones carrying the team in the absence of their bigs. To paraphrase what he said: Chris Paul has been taking over and getting to the rim. Teams have been doubling him leaving Peja wide open and Peja is shooting lights out.
Will Denver follow suit and try to beat the Hornets by doubling Chris Paul? I really don’t want to see New Orleans’ perimeter guys beat Denver tonight with wide open looks because Paul has been doubled. I think Denver would be best suited playing Paul straight up and helping on occasion.
The Nuggets should have some mismatches in the frontcourt and should take advantage. Nene should be anxious to get back on the floor after an off night and should be matched up against youngster Hilton Armstrong. The Hornets don’t really have a good matchup for Kenyon Martin going in and I think KMart is due for a big game. Defensive stopper and three-point ace James Posey could easily pose problems for Denver on both ends of the floor, but I like Denver’s speed if he tries to cover JR Smith and I like Denver’s size if he’s matched up on KMart.
This game would be a great steal win for the Nuggets after the Hornets were able to steal the first game at Pepsi Center back on November 27 (105-101).
Pregame Notes:
- Denver has their second best franchise start after 45 games (30-15)
- New Orleans is 27-14 on the season and 1½ games behind the Spurs in the ultra competitive Southwest Division
- Denver is 6-5 in the second game of back-to-backs on the season
- Whichever team gets to 105 points should win – in the first game N.O. won 105-101 and in the second game Denver came out on top 105-100
The Opposition:
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Ummm...
The picture they have up on At The Hive is disturbing…
Peja looks like he is posing for some sort of male escort service, shit is not cool.
Nice preview, I will have to say that I disagree with you on the Paul/Peja thing though. If I am George Karl, I tell my team I am fine with losing as long as its not at Chris Paul’s hand. With their injuries, you let them shoot from the outside to start the game unless Peja absolutely starts blowing up. Maybe sign Julius Hodge back, and have him punch Paul in the balls.
Bring Coors Light, 5:30 pre-game.
Paul Debate...
While I would hate to see Paul go crazy I think that if you can get him to play a little more selfish than usual (probably never going to happen … his assists are up to go with his ppg going up!!) – but if you get him to be selfish perhaps that will help get the team out of rhythm.
I expect Paul to meet a wall of defenders if he tries to get to the rim and you know Birdman wants to swat some of his former teammates’ shots!
I’ve seen Denver let teams get hot against them and don’t want to see that again tonight. Make it a one man show I say.
by Nate Timmons on Jan 28, 2009 3:39 PM MST up reply actions
It almost happened against Memphis last night. If not for Chauncy’s hot shot in the second half of the game I’m pretty sure the Griz could’ve walked away with that one.
I think Paul will have some trouble in the paint with the bigs down there. Could this potentially open up his outside game? I’d like to think no, as they won’t have much in the way of rebounders helping them out.
Should be interesting to see how this one pans out. I hardly go on the record for making predictions, but tonight I’m going to say the Nugs take this one.
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Well if you want to include the single prediction I made on my site this season, then I’m 1-for-1. So here’s to hoping I stay perfect. haha
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com
Nene got off to a quick seven point first and yet they started working the perimeter more with an eight point lead. Why? Stick with what works. Switch it up if necessary.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com
Wow, I make a lame prediction and the Nugs go out and play one of the worst games of the year. Guess I better learn to keep my mouth shut.
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