After a grueling four-game road trip where the Denver Nuggets went 1-3, they come back to Denver for some home cooking. Though the games will be at the Pepsi Center, the week might be a grueling one as the Nuggs face the top team in the Western Conference and second best in the Eastern Conference.
Luckily for the Nuggets Carmelo Anthony looks to be back from a knee injury, but they will need Chauncey Billups to bust out of his mini-slump in order for them to tack more wins than losses on their record.
Orlando Magic vs. Denver Nuggets - Tuesday, December 14
The first game back home won't be a cake walk as Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson visit the Pepsi Center to welcome the Nuggets back to Denver.
Ranked second in the SB Nation Power Rankings, the Magic (15-8) rely heavily on Howard to carry the team. Their leading scorer, rebounder shot blocker and stealer is one of the best in the game. Nelson leads the team in assists and Vince Carter lends 15.1 points per game.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Denver Nuggets - Thursday December 16
If the first game back home was difficult, the second might even be harder. The Spurs (19-3) are ranked first in the Western Conference in the SB Nation Power rankings, and already have a 12 game win streak on the season.
With the Spurs you know what you're going to get, a big dose of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Richard Jefferson and Manu Ginobili. The game will be nationally televised on TNT and come on a late tip-off, getting started at 8:30 p.m. MT.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets - Saturday, December 18
Though the T-Wolves (6-18) don't win many games there can be an argument that they have one of the best players in the league. The problem is that in this league it takes talent and experience to be victorious.
With the league's best rebounder, Kevin Love, who averages 15.1 rebounds a game to go with his 20.5 points per game, the T-Wolves have one of the best players in the NBA. Add in leading scorer Michael Beasley and the T-Wolves have young, but immensely talented players. Wins might come their way, but probably not this season.