Nuggets Schedule 2012: Denver To Face Four Tough Opponents

The Denver Nuggets have no cupcakes this week as they fight for playoff position, which may actually be a good thing considering recent losses to the Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Hornets and Golden State Warriors. The Nuggets will face three teams within a few games of them in the West standings, plus an Eastern conference powerhouse.

Monday, April 16: at Houston Rockets (6:00 p.m. MT, ALT)

The Nuggets beat the Rockets by 15 on Sunday night in Denver to jump above them and into the No. 7 slot in the West, but Monday night's game remains a large one. If the Rockets get back a win, the two teams will once again be tied. But if Denver wins, they'll find themselves up two games on the Rockets with five to play.

Wednesday, April 18: at Los Angeles Clippers (7:00 p.m. MT, ALT)

It's unlikely that the Nuggets can catch the Clippers— who currently occupy the West's fourth seed— but if anything this game will be a solid measuring stick for Denver, as they go up against a team that some consider to be a legitimate NBA Finals contender.

Saturday, April 21: at Phoenix Suns (3:30 p.m. MT, ALT/ESPN)

The Suns are currently a game back of Houston for the eighth seed and two back of Denver for the seventh, so this game could have serious playoff implications. If the Suns have a rough week, Denver may have a chance to put the final nail in their coffin, or they may find themselves furiously fighting back the streaking Suns.

Sunday, April 22: vs Orlando Magic (6:00 p.m. MT, ALT)

The Nuggets will supposedly be without star center Dwight Howard, who is sitting out with a back injury, but they may be forced to throw him into the action if their position in the East standings begins to slip any further.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Rockets Vs. Nuggets Final Score: Denver Wins 101-86

The Denver Nuggets found themselves down six points to the Houston Rockets at halftime, but a huge second half propelled them to a surprisingly comfortable win, 101-86. The Nuggets came out and set the tone by out-scoring Houston 37-19 in the third quarter, and it was that period of play that ultimately proved the difference.

Related: Rockets Vs. Nuggets: Second half thread

Ty Lawson and Arron Afflalo paced the Nuggets with 20 points apiece, Andre Miller had 11 assists and Kenneth Faried picked up a 10-point, 11-rebound double double.

The win moved the Nuggets into sole possession of seventh place in the West, one game ahead of the eighth-place Rockets and two games ahead of ninth-place Phoenix. Denver will get another shot at Houston on Monday night.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Rockets Vs. Nuggets Score Update: Strong 3rd Quarter Propels Denver To 80-68 Lead

The Denver Nuggets began the second half against the Houston Rockets with a six-point deficit, but they picked up the pace at the offensive end, scored 37 points in the third quarter, and now they have an 80-68 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Related: Rockets Vs. Nuggets: Second half thread

Ty Lawson scored eight points in the quarter and has 16 for the game. Arron Afflalo and Danilo Gallinari are also in double figures for the Nuggets, who are shooting 51.7% from the field as a team.

Luis Scola and Chase Budinger are leading the Rockets with 19 points apiece; they are a combined 15-27 from the floor, and Budinger has knocked down five three-point shots.

Houston is shooting just 38.6%, but they've hit 10 three-point shots.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Rockets Vs. Nuggets Score Update: Houston Up 49-43 At Halftime

The Houston Rockets only shot 40% from the field in the first half against the Denver Nuggets, but they have a 49-43 lead at halftime nonetheless. The Rockets were a bit better than Denver on the boards and finished the half +3 in the turnover category, which has helped their cause.

Related: Rockets Vs. Nuggets: Second half thread

The Nuggets shot 45% in the half and Ty Lawson leads the team with eight points, though he is just 2-7 from the field. Danilo Gallinari has seven points, Andre Miller scored six points to go with five assists and Kenneth Faried leads the way with five rebounds.

Chase Budinger has 16 point for Houston, and Luis Scola has scored 14.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Wilson Chandler Injury Update: Chandler Should Be Available Against Rockets

It appears the Denver Nuggets could benefit from the return of a key scoring option as they prepare to enter the stretch run of the season, as Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post is reporting that Wilson Chandler should be available tonight after battling groin and hip injuries:

@nuggetsnews: Wilson Chandler should be available to play tonight for the #Nuggets

Chandler hasn't been able to make the impact that many were hoping for when he returned from China. Chandler has appeared in only seven games and has been sidelined since March 30 with a groin/hip injury. Earlier this week, George Karl told the Denver Post that even when he returned, Chandler wouldn't be at 100%.

Karl said that "if and when" Chandler gets back, he will be in a similar situation to that of Al Harrington, who is playing with torn meniscus.

"His hip is not going to heal this year," Karl said of Chandler. "But can he play and be effective?"

The recent return of Danilo Gallinari lessens the blow, but Denver still has a void at forward off the bench. Corey Brewer, among others, will be expected to bring energy and production.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

NBA Standings 2012: Nuggets Locked In Battle For 1 Of Last 2 Playoff Spots

The Denver Nuggets enter Sunday's game against the Houston Rockets in a tie with them for the seventh and eighth spots in the Western Conference playoffs. They have identical 32-27 records with seven games to go. This home-and-home set over Sunday and Monday will be a huge test for the Nuggets.

Denver has a magic number of six to secure a playoff spot. As the Nuggets' Twitter account explains:

#Nuggets currently have a magic number of 6, meaning any combination of DEN Ws and PHX Ls equaling 6 will give them a playoff spot.

Next Saturday, the Nuggets play the Suns, which conceivably could be a game between a Denver team in the playoffs and a Phoenix team eliminated from the postseason. The Nuggets would need to win all three of their games before that and the Suns losers in their three games.

Here is the current Western Conference standings:

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Rockets Vs. Nuggets: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

With the start of the NBA playoffs just two weeks away, the Denver Nuggets know that each game left on the schedule could be the difference between a spot in the playoffs and a premature end to their season. After a tough loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Nuggets will look to get back on track when they host the Houston Rockets in the first game of a back-to-back matchup between the two teams.

What makes this back-to-back between the two teams even more enticing is that they are tied for the 7/8 spots in the Western Conference, with Phoenix and Utah both within 1 1/2 games. If either team were to be swept, it could do serious damage to their playoff hopes.

Game Time / Date: Sunday, April 15 / 6 p.m. (MT)

Location: Pepsi Center/ Denver, CO.

Television: Altitude

For more on this situation, stick with SB Nation Denver. For more on the Nuggets, head over to Denver Stiffs. For more news, notes and analysis around the league, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Nuggets Vs. Lakers Recap: 30 Points From Andrew Bynum Lifts LA Over Denver, 103-97

The Denver Nuggets suffered a setback in their playoff push on Friday night as they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers, 103-97. The Lakers played their fourth consecutive game without Kobe Bryant (shin) and also didn't have head coach Mike Brown (family emergency), but Andrew Bynum poured in 30 points and reserve forward Matt Barnes added 24 points on a scorching 9-11 shooting and 4-4 from beyond the arc to lead to charge.

As for the Nuggets, it was a rough game for their starting five, who combined for just 43 of the team's 97 points. Arron Afflalo led that quintet with 18 points, but Danilo Gallinari (seven points, three turnovers), Kenneth Faried (seven points, seven rebounds) and Ty Lawson (nine points, four assists) notably lagged behind.

If you need to know how hardcore Nuggets fans felt watching the fourth quarter, Nate Timmons of Denver Stiffs give a wonderful window into that emotional state:

Sure, that fourth quarter lineup was able to get the Nuggets back into the game, but it also exhausted any chance the Nuggets had to win. Remember that scene in Braveheart where William Wallace leads his troops into battle against impossible odds, then they actually start to win the battle, and all they need to put them over the top are their reinforcements that are laying in wait? The reinforcements that never came? Yep, when Wallace looked back for his fresh soldiers they refused to ride in for the rescue. Well, Karl did the same thing to his "trust" player by refusing to inject some fresh legs in the form of THE CORE OF THE DAMN TEAM!

Lawson, Danilo Gallinari (2-9 shooting, 7 points), and Kenneth Faried (18 minutes, SERIOUSLY?!?) rotted away on the bench. Aren't these guys the future of the team? Didn't the Nuggets commit serious money to Gallo? Clear the way for Lawson by trading Chauncey Billups and Raymond Felton? Deal Nene to allow Faried more minutes?...Unbelievable.

With the loss the Nuggets are now just one game ahead of the Phoenix Suns for the eighth and final playoff spot in the NBA's Western Conference.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over toNuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Nuggets Vs. Lakers Score Update: Denver Down Six At Half

The Denver Nuggets went into the locker room on Friday night down 54-48 to the Los Angeles Lakers, but after starting the second quarter with an 11-point deficit, that halftime margin is a cause for mini-celebration. The Nuggets rediscovered their shooting touch in the second quarter, but their defense still left a bit to be desired, as the Lakers ended the half shooting an even 50% as a team including 4-9 from three. They also out-rebounded Denver by eight in the first two periods, with remains a bugaboo for Denver as they make a push for the playoffs.

Andre Miller led the Nuggets in the half, scoring 10 points on 5-8 shooting, which was a point ahead of Ty Lawson, who put up nine points in the half, albeit on 4-11 shooting. The Lakers, meanwhile, had three players in double figures, with Matt Barnes improbably heading the charge with 15 points on 6-7 shooting to go along with six rebounds. Andrew Bynum, who scored ten points in the first, only finished the half with 11 total, but the slack was picked up by Metta World Peace, who also dropped in 11 points.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Nuggets Vs. Lakers: Los Angeles Takes Early 11-Point Lead

The Denver Nuggets' attempt for a third straight win has not gotten off on the right foot, as the Los Angeles Lakers jumped out to a 30-19 lead after the first quarter of Friday night's match up at the Staples Center. The Lakers were powered by center Andrew Bynum, who fresh off of an astounding 30 rebound game, put up 10 points, three rebounds and two assists in the first quarter.

The Lakers— minus the injured Kobe Bryant— shot 52% as a team in the first quarter, and outrebounded the Nuggets 15-9. Denver meanwhile made only 8-23 field goals and missed on all three of its long range attempts, with Ty Lawson and Danilo Gallinari going a combined 2-10 from the field. Kenneth Faried led the Nuggets with five rebounds, and tied with Lawson for the points lead with four.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Wilson Chandler Injury Update: Forward Will Not Play Against Lakers

Wilson Chandler has not played a game in April for the Denver Nuggets as he nurses a groin injury, and he will not be available to play against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, according to the Post's Benjamin Hochman.

Just got word, no Wilson Chandler tonight for the #Nuggets at #Lakers

— Benjamin Hochman (@nuggetsnews) April 13, 2012

Related: Nuggets At Lakers preview: Kobe Bryant hurt, Afflalo soaring (8:30pm MT)

Chandler, who last played on March 30, has appeared in seven games with the Nuggets since signing with the team last month. He is averaging 10.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.

In other injury news, the Lakers will be without Kobe Bryant against the Nuggets.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Kobe Bryant Injury Update: Lakers Shooting Guard Out Against Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets (32-26) take on the Los Angeles Lakers (37-22) Friday night, and the Lakers will reportedly be without their superstar point guard. According to Mike Trudell of Lakers.com, shooting guard Kobe Bryant will miss his fourth straight game as he deals with a shin injury:

Kobe Bryant is OUT again tonight vs Denver. He continues to improve, but not yet ready to play.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 13, 2012

Bryant has played 56 games in the 2011-12 NBA Season and currently sports a league-leading 28.2 points per game rate. The 15-year veteran leads the Lakers in minutes per game, shots per game, three-pointers per game, steals per game and points per game. With Bryant on the bench, the team will likely lean more heavily on G Steve Blake.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Nuggets Vs. Lakers: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Denver Nuggets continue to hang on to the eighth spot in the Western Conference playoffs, but they have just a 1.5-game lead over the Utah Jazz, the team currently first out of the postseason. The Nuggets enter this game on a two-game winning streak with victories over the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Danilo Gallinari returned two games ago, and he's not shown any rust, really. He did have a 4-of-11 shooting night in the first game, but he still scored 15 points. He followed that with 18 points (3-of-7 from beyond the arc) against the Timberwolves on Wednesday. Kenneth Faried has been a beast over the last two games, putting up a double-double in each game (27 points, 17 rebounds and 16 points, 12 rebounds).

The Lakers, meanwhile, enter this contest with the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference and a two-game winning streak. Andrew Bynum is coming off a huge game in which he pulled down 30 rebounds (22 defensive) and scored 16 points. Kobe Bryant is expected to be a game-time decision due to his shin injury. He has missed the last three games.

Game time/date: 8:30 p.m. MT, Friday, April 13, 2012

Location: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA

TV: Altitude

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Timberwolves Vs. Nuggets Final Score: Denver Survives To Earn 113-107 Win

The Denver Nuggets led by 21 points after halftime on Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but the game was no blowout. Minnesota would battle back and make the contest a nail-biter, but Denver was still able hold on for a 113-107 victory.

The Nuggets were led by point guard Ty Lawson, who finished with 23 points, eight assists, and five rebounds in the win on 9-of-17 shooting. Arron Afflalo had 21 points for the Nuggets. Danilo Gallinari scored 18 and Kenneth Faried scored 16 for Denver in the win.

Minnesota lost star forward Kevin Love just eight minutes into the game when he exited with a concussion. Rookie forward Derrick Williams would pick up the slack for the T-Wolves, adding 28 points and six rebounds off the bench. Nikola Pekovic, Jose Juan Barea, and Martell Wester each scored 12 for Minnesota in the loss.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Kevin Love Concussion: T-Wolves Forward Exits Vs. Nuggets With Head Injury

Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Kevin Love played only eight minutes on Wednesday night against the Denver Nuggets before exiting the game with zero points and three rebounds on 0-of-5 shooting. Love suffered a concussion sometime during the first quarter and has not re-entered since. He will stay overnight at a Denver hospital.

TWolves PR said Kevin Love had mild concussion and neck strain and will stay at a Denver hospital overnight

— Benjamin Hochman (@nuggetsnews) April 12, 2012

Love has had a dynamite season for Minnesota and has turned himself into a legitimate MVP candidate in the second half of the season. The power forward came into the game against the Nuggets averaging 26.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per night. His PER is 25.68.

Given that concussions are the latest hot button issue in sports, it's certainly a troubling sign for Minnesota, and one nobody wanted to see.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Timberwolves Vs. Nuggets Score Update: Minnesota Cuts Denver's Lead To 9 Going Into 4th Quarter

The Denver Nuggets took a 21 point lead into halftime at the Pepsi Center Wednesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but a third quarter run by Minnesota has turned a blowout into an interesting game with one quarter remaining. The Timberwolves outscored Denver 33-21 in the third quarter, and now the Nuggets' lead is at 89-80.

Four Denver starters have already reached double-digits in scoring, led by rookie forward Kenneth Faried. Faried has 14 points and 11 rebounds on 5-of-9 shooting. Ty Lawson has 18 pionts and seven assists on 8-of-13 shooting from the field. Arron Afflalo has 15 points for Denver.

Rookie forward Derrick Williams has keyed the Minnesota comeback. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 draft, Williams has 19 points and six rebounds after three quarters. Anthony Randolph has 18 points and five rebounds off the bench for the T-Wolves.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Timberwolves Vs. Nuggets Score Update: Denver Leads By 21 At Halftime

The Denver Nuggets entered the night as the eighth and final seed in the Western Conference playoff picture, and knew they couldn't afford another slip-up against a sub-.500 team. Through a half on Wednesday night at the Pepsi Center, the Nuggets are certainly playing like a team aware of its own need to play with a sense of urgency. Denver leads the Minnesota Timberwolves 68-47 after two quarters.

Rookie forward Kennth Faried continues to shine for Denver. Faried finishes the fhalf with 14 points and 10 rebounds on 5-of-7 shooting. Point guard Ty Lawson has 14 points and four assists on 6-of-9 shooting. Al Harrington, who is playing with a torn miniscus, has nine points and three rebounds. Guards Arron Afflalo and Corey Brewer each have eight at the half for Denver.

Jose Juan Barea has 10 points and four assists for Minnesota. Derrick Williams, Anthony Randolph, and Wesley Johnson each have nine points at the half for the Timberwolves.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Timberwolves Vs. Nuggets Score Update: Denver Leads By 13 After 1st Quarter

The Denver Nuggets are fighting for their playoff lives in the Western Conference, making games like the one on Wednesday against the 25-33 Minnesota Timberwolves a must win. Through a quarter, the Nuggets lead 37-24 at the Pepsi Center.

Point guard Ty Lawson has 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting for the Nuggets after one quarter. Rookie forward Kenneth Faried has six points and four rebounds on 3-of-3 shooting. Danilo Gallinari has five points and four assists for Denver. Center JaVale McGee has four points.

The Timberwolves are being led by guard Jose Juan Barea, who has 10 points and three assists on 4-of-5 shooting. Wesley Johnson and Nikola Pekovic each have six for Minnesota after the end of the first.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Al Harrington Injury: Nuggets Forward Plans To Play Against Timberwolves

Denver Nuggets reserve forward Al Harington says he will play against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night despite having a torn meniscus in his right knee, as Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post reports. Harrington did mention being limited in practice, but his plans haven't changed regardless:

You’re limited. You can’t really bend and explode. For me, the biggest thing it’s bothering me with is rebound. But I can move forward and laterally. I want to finish this thing out. And this is the best part of the season when you’re in the hunt like this, trying to get a playoff spot. So I’m not going to leave the guys hanging.

Harrington, 32, has averaged 14.5 PPG and 6.2 RPG for the Nuggets in 57 games this season. He left Monday's game against the Golden State Warriors with the knee injury, but he's expected to fight through it at this point.

For more on this situation, stick with SB Nation Denver. For more on the Nuggets, head over to Denver Stiffs. For more news, notes and analysis around the league, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Timberwolves Vs. Nuggets Preview: Nuggets Aim To Down Minnesota Again In Denver

There are nine games left in the regular season, and the Denver Nuggets are still fighting to secure a playoff spot. At the moment, George Karl's team sits as the eighth and final seed in the Western Conference, with the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz lurking close behind. Just 2.5 games separate seeds 6-10 in the West.

On Wednesday at the Pepsi Center, Denver will host the Minnesota Timberwolves. A month ago, the T-Wolves were among the most buzzworthy teams in the NBA, but the injury to rookie point guard Ricky Rubio has seemingly drained the team of all its enthusiasm. Minnesota has lost 14 of their last 18 and have plummeted into 12th place in the Western Conference standings.

The Nuggets have defeated the Timberwolves in Denver in 10 of the last 11 meetings.

Game time/date: Tuesday, April 11, 2012, 7:00 p.m. MT

Location: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado

TV: Altitude

For more on this situation, stick with SB Nation Denver. For more on the Nuggets, head over to Denver Stiffs. For more news, notes and analysis around the league, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Al Harrington Injury: Nuggets Forward Has Torn Meniscus, Could Still Play

Denver Nuggets forward Al Harrington left Monday's game against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter, and after the game he revealed to reporters that he has a torn meniscus in his knee. Harrington admitted that he injured his knee "a couple of games ago," according to Christopher Dempsey of the Denver Post, but that the Western Conference playoff race has him exploring treatment options that would allow him to play for the remainder of the season.

Harrington has been an important scorer off the bench for George Karl and the Nuggets this season, and the 13-year veteran's holds the fourth-highest average in scoring (14.5 ppg) and rebounding (6.2 rpg) on the team. Denver currently owns the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoff bracket, but is just one game ahead of the Phoenix Suns and 1.5 games up on the Utah Jazz.

For more on this situation, stick with SB Nation Denver. For more on the Nuggets, head over to Denver Stiffs. For more news, notes and analysis around the league, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Nuggets Vs. Warriors Final Score: Denver Cruises To 123-84 Victory

The Denver Nuggets were defeated by the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night, but George Karl's crew wasn't about to let it happen again during the rematch on Monday at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets built a 37-13 lead after the first quarter and would coast to a 123-84 victory. The win improves the Nuggets to 31-26 overall, while Golden State falls to 22-34.

Rookie forward Kenneth Faried exited the game after three quarters, when he had 27 points and 17 rebounds (seven offensive) on 12-of-18 shooting from the field. Danilo Gallinari had 15 points, six assists, and five rebounds in the win. Arron Afflalo posted 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists for Denver in the victory. JaVale McGee and Corey Brewer each had 13 points. Denver's Andre Miller dished out 12 assists.

Rookie guard Klay Thompson had 17 points to lead the Warriors. Nate Robinson added 16 points for Golden State.

For more on this game, stick with SB Nation Denver. For more on the Nuggets, head over to Denver Stiffs, and for more on the Warriors head over to Golden State of Mind. For more news, notes and analysis around the league, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Nuggets Vs. Warriors Score Update: Denver Takes 32 Point Lead Into 4th Quarter

The Denver Nuggets will take a 90-58 into the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors on Monday night at the Pepsi Center. Denver is being fueled by a gargantuan effort from rookie forward Kenneth Faried, who already has 27 points, 17 rebounds and two steals. The Warriors defeated the Nuggets on Saturday.

Danillo Galinari has 15 points, six assists, and five rebounds for Denver thus far on 4-of-11 shooting. Arron Afflalo has 13 points for the Nuggets. Ty Lawson and Al Harrington each have 10 points at the end of three quarters.

Diminutive point guard Nate Robinson has 14 points and five assists to lead the Warriors off the bench. Denver has held Golden State to 38 percent shooting (25-of-65) from the field.

For more on this game, stick with SB Nation Denver. For more on the Nuggets, head over to Denver Stiffs, and for more on the Warriors head over to Golden State of Mind. For more news, notes and analysis around the league, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Nuggets Vs. Warriors Score Update: Denver Leads 65-38 At Halftime

After falling to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, it appears the Denver Nuggets have come out tonight with revenge on their mind. Denver will take a 65-38 lead into halftime after shooting 55% from the floor in the first two quarters.

Rookie forward Kenneth Faried has been the star for the Nuggets thus far. Faried already boasts an impressive double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds on 8-of-13 shooting. Al Harrington has 10 points off the bench for Denver. Starters Aaron Afflalo, Ty Lawson, and Danilo Gallinari each have eight points for George Karl's team at the half.

Three Golden State players (Klay Thompson, David Lee, Nate Robinson) have eight points at the half. The Warriors are shooting just 16-of-42 from the field at the half.

For more on this game, stick with SB Nation Denver. For more on the Nuggets, head over to Denver Stiffs, and for more on the Warriors head over to Golden State of Mind. For more news, notes and analysis around the league, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Nuggets Vs. Warriors Score Update: Denver Leads 37-13 After 1st Quarter

The Denver Nuggets have lost two of their last three games, with both defeats coming to opponents outside of the Western Conference playoff picture. Last we saw the Nuggets, they were defeated 112-97 by the Warriors on Saturday night. On Monday, Denver gets a shot at revenge vs. Golden State, and so far, so good: after a quarter, the Nuggets lead 37-13 at the Pepsi Center.

Rookie forward Kenneth Faried has been everywhere for George Karl's team thus far. Faried has 11 points and five rebounds on 4-of-6 shooting as the first quarter ends. Small forward Danilo Gallinari and shooting guard Arron Afflalo have also played well, with Gallinari scoring eight and Afflalo scoring six points.

The Warriors are just 6-of-20 from the field thus far. Dorrel Wright has a team-high three points.

For more on this game, stick with SB Nation Denver. For more on the Nuggets, head over to Denver Stiffs, and for more on the Warriors head over to Golden State of Mind. For more news, notes and analysis around the league, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Nuggets vs. Warriors: Denver Continues To Fight For Playoff Position

Coming off a dispiriting 15-point loss to Golden State on Saturday night, the Nuggets host Golden State with playoff position on the line.