The Denver Nuggets are coming off a huge 115-112 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, their first win against them this year, when they face the Washington Wizards on Friday night. The Wizards are mired at the bottom of the overall league standings with a 17-53 record, which should bode well for the Nuggets. But they will need to avoid a letdown that could strike.
Denver enters this contest four games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Northwest division lead and the fourth spot in the Western Conference playoff standings. In Wednesday night's victory over the Spurs, the Nuggets trailed by as many as 14 points, but Al Harrington's 27 points gave the team their 11th victory in 15 games since the Carmelo Anthony trade.
Ty Lawson returned to action in Wednesday's game and put up 18 points and rebounds. He was excused from shootaround today, according to Aaron J. Lopez, for a "sinus infection and sore throat," but should be able to play in Friday's game.
The Wizards will have their leading scorer, Nick Young (17.7 points), make his return after missing the last five games. Michael Lee of the Washington Post reports that Young, who suffered a left knee bone bruise, will come off the bench. The Nuggets will also get another look at rookie sensation John Wall, who averages 16.1 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.67 steals this season. In their January 25 loss to the Nuggets (120-109), Wall had 10 points and 13 assists. How will he handle the new look Nuggets?
The Wizards are currently on a two-game losing streak after losing back-to-back games on Tuesday and Wednesday, the former a 35-point blowout by the Blazers and the latter a double overtime loss to the Clippers.
For more on this game, check out Denver Stiffs for the Nuggets and SB Nation DC and Bullets Forever for the Wizards.