Clippers at Nuggets
The streaking Denver Nuggets strive to post their seventh victory in eight games when they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday. The Nuggets continue to be the surprising leader in the Western Conference while the Clippers reside in fourth after winning three straight and seven of their past 10.
Star big man Nikola Jokic recorded 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his fourth triple-double of the season as Denver notched a 103-99 road win over the Miami Heat on Tuesday. "Hell of a win," Nuggets coach Michael Malone told reporters afterward of a victory that came on the second end of a back-to-back that began with a loss to the Houston Rockets. "I don't know if it's a statement win or not. But it's a win where we had every reason to use an excuse for the loss. And we don't want to be a team that makes excuses." Los Angeles registered a solid 128-109 home win over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday and has won by double digits three straight times during its three-game winning streak. Backup guard Lou Williams had 27 points and 10 assists for his third double-double of the season as one of four Clippers to score 20 or more points.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), Altitude (Denver)
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (24-16): Former Denver standout Danilo Gallinari is averaging 19.5 points and 6.2 rebounds in 39 games in a strong bounce-back season after being limited to 21 games last season due to injuries. Gallinari scored 20 points against the Hornets and has four 20-point efforts in the past five games and nine in the last 12 contests. The 30-year-old is averaging 18.5 points and six rebounds against the Nuggets this season with outputs of 16 and 21 points.
ABOUT THE NUGGETS (27-12): Journeyman forward Torrey Craig has carved himself out a role with the squad and he once again paid dividends with his first career double-double against the Heat. The 28-year-old Craig scored 11 points and collected a career-high 16 rebounds while fighting for any ball near his path. "I just like to go for loose balls and rebounds," Craig told reporters afterward. "If it's a long rebound or anything on the rim, I try to put myself in the best position to get it. (Tuesday) was just a night where a lot of balls were going my way."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The teams split two meetings in Los Angeles earlier this season.
2. Clippers F Tobias Harris scored 23 points against Charlotte and has topped 20 in three of the past four games.
3. Denver SG Gary Harris (hamstring) is listed as questionable after sitting out the Miami contest.