Nuggets at Pelicans
The Denver Nuggets have long been out of the playoff race but can finish
March off on a high note when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on
Thursday. Denver recorded a 109-105 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on
Wednesday and a victory over the Pelicans would give the Nuggets a 10-7
record in March.
Injury-riddled New Orleans had just nine available players for Wednesday's 100-92 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Point guard Jrue Holiday (eye) and forward Alonzo Gee (quadriceps) were the most recent players ruled out for the season and small forward Ryan Anderson (sports hernia) is in jeopardy of sitting out the rest of the slate. Nuggets center Nikola Jokic matched his career high of 14 rebounds against Memphis but has scored in single digits in each of the past four games. Denver is planning on the 21-year-old Jokic to develop into a bona fide starting center.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN New Orleans, Altitude (Denver)
ABOUT THE PELICANS (27-47): Forward James Ennis was signed out of the D-League on Wednesday and had 13 points in 24 minutes in his club debut after arriving at the arena shortly before game time. Another recent signee, guard Jordan Hamilton, scored 14 points in his third game and first start and center Alexis Ajinca stood out with 18 points and nine rebounds and then proclaimed afterward that there is plenty to play for. "We are trying to win no matter what — we are looking for a different motivation to push us to win each game," Ajinca told reporters. "It doesn't matter if we have five guys, six guys or seven guys; we are still going to play as hard as we can."
ABOUT THE NUGGETS (32-44): Backup small forward Will Barton scored 25 points against the Grizzlies and is averaging 24 points while making nine 3-point baskets during the past two games. Barton has carved himself out a role with Denver and has stepped up even further lately with leading scorer Danilo Gallinari (ankle) likely done for the season. Barton, who has started just one game, also has proven to be a capable rebounder and is third on the squad with six boards per game.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Pelicans are 3-0 against the Nuggets this season and have won the past five meetings.
2. New Orleans G Norris Cole (back) has missed 12 straight games and is doubtful for Thursday's game.
3. Denver C Jusuf Nurkic (illness) has missed the past two games and might return Thursday.