NBA Picks: Denver Nuggets at New Jersey Nets
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
The much anticipated matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the New Jersey Nets is set for Monday night at the Prudential Center. Many Nets fans had hoped Carmelo Anthony would be wearing a Nets jersey in their home matchup against the Nuggets, but the two sides were unable to work out a deal.
The Nuggets come in off a 110-99 defeat at Detroit on Sunday, snapping a four game winning streak, including three in a row on the road. There is a good chance Denver was looking ahead to this game, as many expect the atmosphere to be like a playoff game tonight.
The Nets have won four of their last five at home, but had a rough two game road swing over the weekend. New Jersey fell 124-92 at Indiana on Friday, and followed that up with a 91-81 loss at Milwaukee on Saturday. The Nets lost 107-103 at Denver back on Nov. 20.
Taking a look at the NBA spreads for tonight’s game, oddsmakers have the Nuggets favored by 3-points with the total set at 205.5.
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The Nuggets got just 12 points out of Anthony against the Pistons on Sunday, but said he knees were bothering him, but I can’t imagine he will miss this game. Chauncey Billups led the way with 27 points on 8-12 shooting, while J.R. Smith came off the bench to score 23 and grab nine rebounds. Denver shot 10 of 19 from three point range, but turned the ball over 17 times and allowed the Pistons to shoot 55% from the field.
Anthony had a game-high 28 points against the Nets earlier this season, and I think you will see Melo go off for a big number tonight. Nene also had a big game 2ith 22 points.
The Nets are just 5-14 in their last 19 games, but all five of those wins have came at home. New Jersey is 11-11 at home this season, and there is no question the Nets are going to want to win this game.
The key for the Nets is making sure they get Brook Lopez going early. Lopez had 28 against the Pacers on Friday and then 26 against the Bucks. Over his last five games Lopez is averaging 24.6 points a game, and has to have a big game tonight for the Nets to have a chance in this one.
Devin Harris had just 10 points in the loss to the Bucks, but dished out a season-high 16 assists, and is averaging 12 points and 11 assists over his last five games. Anthony Morrow is also playing much better lately. Morrow had 16 points against Milwaukee, and has scored 16 or more in three of his last four games.
Even though Denver is just 8-14 on the road this season, I think this is a game they are going to come out and play hard, and I just think you have to lay the points and take Denver to win and cover on the road tonight.
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