Mark L. Baer-US Presswire
The Boston Celtics squeaked a close one out nine days ago against the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden in Boston. Veterans Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett led their team to a triple overtime victory, 118-114, and have won eight of their last nine games. However, they must do so without Rajon Rondo (torn ACL), Jared Sullinger (back surgery) and Leandro Barbosa (torn ACL), all of whom are out for the season.
The Nuggets, after winning nine in a row, have lost their last three. The All-Star break gave key players Danilo Gallinari (sinus infection) and Andre Iguodala (neck) a chance to get healthy and both are expected to play after practicing yesterday. Both missed the last two games. Another big game will be needed from Ty Lawson, who had a game-high 29 points last game against Boston.
The Nuggets looked to have the game won on Feb. 10, but let it get away and seemed to lack a closer. Andre Miller couldn’t be that and missed some late shots. Gallinari and Iguodala will look to take some share of the load and hopefully put the Celtics out of reach early.
Boston has lost three straight at the Pepsi Center and seven of the last eight. The Nuggets are 22-3 at home this season and look to improve that record against an injury plagued Celtics.
The Nuggets go back on the road for two straight, traveling to play the Washington Wizards and the Charlotte Bobcats, before coming back to Denver to host the Los Angeles Lakers Feb. 25. It’s time to start another winning streak. It’s time to show the league that Denver can win big games against decent competition despite having no player voted to the All-Star team. Lastly, it’s time to take a lead and hold it throughout the entire game.
With the Nuggets healthy, it looks as though they will have the perfect opportunity to do all this tonight against Boston.
