The Denver Nuggets have struggled amid a rash of injuries, and are winners of just three of their previous 10 games, but they will likely have to play shorthanded again on Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies. Timofey Mozgov (left ankle sprain) is a game time decision. Danilo Gallinari (left ankle sprain) is out. Nene (left calf strain) is a game-time decision. That means the pressure once again flows to Ty Lawson and Andre Miller to get the offense out in transition and create easy looks for Arron Afflalo and Al Harrington.
Jeffrey Morton of Denver Stiffs, SB Nation's Denver Nuggets blog, explains exactly how the team needs to operate with Danilo Gallinai out:
My advice? Heed no stop sign, just get the ball and go to the cup. Draw as much contact as possible. Packing the lane only works if you let it. Simple as that. If you drive in every single time you have the ball in the half court set a couple things will happen. Fouls will be called on the defense, an offensive foul will be called, or someone will score or get an easy attempt at a layup. Three out of those four possibilities are good for the offensive teams. Keep doing it over and over and over. The hedging that the opposing teams are doing will only work as long as the point guard (Ty, Andre) get the ball out of their hands. Keep the ball and GO. That will loosen up the lane for more lay ups or mid range jumpers, which will in-turn make for easier three-point shots.
As for the Grizzlies, they have been surviving without Zach Randolph by using a well-balanced offensive attack to compliment a stingy defense. Rudy Gay does most of the scoring, while Mike Conley and Marc Gasol contribute some important baskets along the way. The defense in led by Tony Allen and Gasol, both of whom bring a physical style of defense that can easily frustrate opponents.
Here is some information to help you find the game:
Game day/time: 6:00 PM MT, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2012
Location: FedExForum, Memphis, TN
TV: Altitude 2
For more on the Denver Nuggets, including in-depth analysis and commentary, be sure to visit the SB Nation Nuggets blog, Denver Stiffs. Grizzlies news and analysis is available at Straight Outta Vancouver. Head over to the SB Nation NBA news hub for more breaking news and notes.