Nuggets at Wizards
The Denver Nuggets have clinched a postseason berth after being spectators for five consecutive seasons. The Nuggets have won four straight games and still have another goal ahead of them as they visit the Washington Wizards on Thursday.
Denver is just one-half game behind Golden State for the top seed in the Western Conference and plans to take aim at that while enjoying what it already has accomplished. "We're going to take a moment to realize how far we've come," Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray told reporters after Monday's clinching 114-105 win at Boston. "It's good to look ahead and enjoy the moment at the same time." Washington is 5 1/2 games behind eighth-place Miami in the Eastern Conference after suffering a 126-120 overtime loss in Chicago on Wednesday. "We've got to be better, that's all I can say," Wizards All-Star Bradley Beal told reporters after the club's third loss in four games. "It starts with me. I've got to be better."
TV: 7 p.m. ET, Altitude (Denver), NBCS Washington
ABOUT THE NUGGETS (47-22): Torrey Craig registered 13 points and eight rebounds in 21 minutes off the bench against Boston, and Denver is hoping he will be a productive asset in the postseason. Veteran Paul Millsap isn't as spry as he was earlier in his career, which means there will be opportunities for Craig to make an impact. Millsap contributed 12 points and 11 rebounds against the Celtics for his second straight double-double and 12th of the season.
ABOUT THE WIZARDS (30-42): Jabari Parker was fired up to play against his former team as he scored a season-best 28 points on 11-of-18 shooting for his 11th straight double-digit performance. Parker has scored 20 or more points on four occasions during the stretch as he attempts to show Washington he can be counted on next season. Beal scored 27 points against the Bulls and has topped 20 in 12 of his last 14 contests.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Nuggets have won 10 of their last 15 visits to Washington.
2. Denver All-Star C Nikola Jokic recorded 21 points and 13 rebounds against Boston for his 39th double-double of the season.
3. Washington F Trevor Ariza (groin) departed Wednesday's game and is unlikely to play against the Nuggets.