Well, tonight, the Nuggets and Clippers meet in Los Angeles. Once upon a time, these two teams met in the NBA Playoffs. That was then, this is now. Back then, the Nuggets didn't have Allen Iverson. Back then, George Karl and Kenyon Martin were at odds. Most amazing, back then, the Clippers were actually in the Playoffs. Times have changed. For one, the Clippers are back in their rightful position---the draft lottery. The problem is, the Nuggets might be joining them.
The Clippers were without perhaps their best player (Elton Brand) for most of the season and their veteran presence was robbed with Sam Cassell now in Boston. Plus, let's admit it, they're the Clippers, what were you expecting? Denver, however, has little excuse. They have two of the top five scorers in the NBA and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year . For all of that, they may end up no better than the Clippers----in the lottery. Rest assured, there is no comparison between the teams. Denver is 46-31, the Clippers are 23-54. Though, I think we can agree that will be of little solace to the Nuggets if they miss the postseason. One way to prevent that from happening-----at least for a moment----is to defeat the Clippers this evening.
Outlook: The Nuggets have lost their last two games, both to teams with nothing to play for. Tonight, the Clippers can make it three. You have to kind of think that either the Nuggets are more determined than ever or are more resigned than ever. I'm not sure which one it is.
Numbers: The Clippers have lost eight of their last ten games but that doesn't mean much. Momentum is not on either team's side, but if the Nuggets can seize it early, it could make all the difference.
Prediction: A game like this----a road test----is one the Nuggets have more often failed than passed recently. The Clippers are not an imposing threat, yet, I feel they have a shot to rise up and knock off a team that has twice as many wins as they do. All of that being said, I'm picking the Nuggets. You have to play as a team, but on some nights, you can win with sheer talent. Tonight may be one of those nights.
Hope to see you on Wednesday.
-"z"
