Clippers at Nuggets
THE STORY: Chauncey Billups will be making his first visit to Denver since being traded by the team to New York along with Carmelo Anthony last Feb. 22. This will be more than a simple return to a former team for Billups and his Los Angeles Clippers when they visit the Mile High City for Sunday night’s game against a Nuggets team riding a six-game winning streak. Billups grew up in Denver, played at Colorado and plans to retire to Denver when his career is over. “That's my hometown,” Billups told the Los Angeles Times. “I am Denver. That'll never change … I love the town.” The Nuggets, who lead the NBA in scoring (105.8 points), have won nine in a row at home against the Clippers. Los Angeles has lost four in a row on the road, and is coming off a 98-91 victory over Memphis in which it almost blew a 16-point lead. “Sooner or later we’re going to learn, because these little opportunities can slip away from you,” said Chris Paul.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Clippers), Altitude (Nuggets)
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (10-6): Mo Williams is proving to be one of the best sixth men in the NBA this season. Williams is averaging 22.2 points in the last five games. Williams has been the speculation of possible trade rumors, possibly going to the Staples Center neighbor Lakers to team with Kobe Bryant. Guard Eric Bledsoe (knee surgery) practiced with the Clippers on Saturday and will be available against the Nuggets. Bledsoe played two games with the Bakersfield Jam of the Developmental League.
ABOUT THE NUGGETS (14-5): Point guard Ty Lawson (sprained left ankle) plans to play against the Clippers after missing Denver’s game on Friday against Toronto. “It’s a big game and I want to be ready for it,” said Lawson. “I’m pretty optimistic. I’m feeling a lot better. We’ll see how it goes tomorrow.” Lawson, who averages 15.7 points and 6.5 assists, will face one of the league’s best point guards in Paul.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The Nuggets have six players averaging in double-digits, led by Danilo Gallinari (17.9).
2. Denver is 57-17 against the Clippers all-time in Denver.
3. Paul is averaging 25.6 points and 9.8 assists in his last five trips to Denver.