NBA Match Preview: Orlando Magic vs Denver Nuggets
The Southeast meets the Northwest tonight, as Denver Nuggets prepare for their match against Orlando Magic. Meeting for the first time this season, Nuggets host the Magic at the Pepsi Centre, Denver.
Nuggets are coming back from a short road trip in the east. A disappointing trip it was with one high point only. Winning only one match in the east, Nuggets finished last week at a disappointing 1-3. Starting last week with a visit to Charlotte on Tuesday,
Nuggets were defeated 98-100 by the Bobcats. This was followed by yet another defeat the next day, as Nuggets were sent packing by the Boston Celtics with an 89-105 defeat.
Things took a turn for the better on Friday when Nuggets were able to defeat the Toronto Raptors and allow their coach George Karl his 1000th win milestone. This turn of events was temporary as Nuggets prepared to meet the New York Knicks on Sunday.
Nuggets were defeated by a four point margin as the scoreboard showed 129-125.
Although, Carmelo Anthony registered 31 points with 13 rebounds, it still wasn’t enough to defeat the Knicks. Sunday’s game gave rise to the rumours again that Anthony is looking to sign an extension with the Knicks. Anthony however, denied these rumours.
He said, "More of the drama, man. I was there and so it was a hot topic to talk about it. I'm not worrying about it. That's not my focus right now. My focus is to try to get some wins back home. I just really want to focus on basketball right now - let the
business take care of business when that time comes. My goal is to go out there every night on the court and continue doing what I'm doing."
Although, Nuggets have lost on the road recently, their record at the Pepsi Center continues to shine. Standing at a nine game winning streak at home, Nuggets look to extend this lead this week as they play three home matches. Their last win at home came
on the 5th when they hosted and defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, although it was a one point victory with the scoreboard showing 108-107.
Magic snapped their four game losing streak on Sunday when they secured a nine point victory over the Los Angeles Clippers with 22 points from Dwight Howard. This was however, Magic’s only victory last week, registering a 1-3 mark for the period of 6th
to 12th Dec.
Magic earlier enjoyed a six game winning streak this season in the games from 24th Nov to 3rd Dec. Magic’s hopes for a winning streak came back after their win against the Clippers on Sunday. Magic guard Jameer Nelson said, "There are
going to be tough times and tough stretches in the season and it's just about how you get out of it. This is just one game and we're happy to have it, but we have to build from it. Hopefully it's the start of another winning streak."
Although, Magic enjoy a higher standing in the rankings than the Nuggets, but Nuggets’ recent form at home (10-1) is better than Magic’s run on the road (7-5). Who would end up taking the lead in the head to head? It remains to be seen.
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