Warriors at Nuggets
THE STORY: One team will break out of its losing ways when the Denver Nuggets host the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. Denver has dropped four in a row and six of its last seven games. The Nuggets have also lost four straight at home for the first time since 2003. Golden State has lost its last two and six of nine, including a 119-116 defeat to Oklahoma City on Tuesday. The Warriors failed to hold a fourth-quarter lead against the NBA’s best team.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, Comcast Sports Net Bay Area (Golden State), Altitude (Denver).
ABOUT THE WARRIORS (8-14): Monta Ellis scored a career-high 48 points Tuesday night, but missed a possible go-ahead shot in the final 10 seconds. As far as Warriors coach Mark Jackson is concerned, Ellis can have the green light anytime he wants. "You want me to tell him stop shooting? The guy went for 48," Jackson said. David Lee scored 25 points with 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his second career triple-double.
ABOUT THE NUGGETS (15-11): Denver's fortunes have changed quickly. The Nuggets have one victory since winning six straight from Jan. 17-27. Injuries have played a major role in Denver's losing ways. Leading scorer Danilo Gallinari is expected to be out until early March with a chip fracture in his left foot. Arron Afflalo and Nene returned Wednesday, but starting center Timofey Mozgov has missed the last three games with an injured left ankle.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The Nuggets have won 10 of the last 12 meetings with the Warriors, including six in a row at home.
2. The Warriors aren't known for their defense, but that area has been particularly poor lately. Golden State has allowed an average of 102.8 points in its last nine games.
3. Denver was held under 100 points for the 12th time this season Wednesday and fell to 4-8 in those games.