The Nuggets had no time to rest following Friday night's 85-82 loss to the Orlando Magic, as they face the LeBron James' Miami Heat on Saturday night. On Jan. 13, the Nuggets blew out the Heat at the Pepsi Center, 130-102. J.R. Smith exploded for 28 points in the victory, while LeBron James was out for the Heat with a sprained left ankle. Chris Bosh put up 26 points.
In last night's loss to the Magic, Jameer Nelson hit the game-winning three as time expired. That shot ended the Nuggets' four-game winning streak and three-game road win streak. Still the Nuggets are 9-3 since the Carmelo Anthony trade. Danilo Gallinari returned to last night's and scored 17 points. Raymond Felton went down with an ankle injury and will likely be out for tonight and the next game.
The Heat, meanwhile, have gone 2-1 this week with wins over San Antonio and Atlanta and a loss to Oklahoma. The win over San Antonio on Monday was an impressive 30-point blowout that made up for the 30-point loss they suffered to the Spurs a week and a half earlier. Miami is currently third in the Eastern Conference standings and has already clinched a spot in the postseason.
Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Altitude. If you are out of area, NBA TV will also have the telecast.