Denver Nuggets-Milwaukee Bucks: Game Preview

The Denver Nuggets (6-2) head into Wisconsin tonight to take on the Milwaukee Bucks (3-2).

The Nuggets beat the Chicago Bulls last night in remarkable fashion, with an ending that literally went down to the final .3 of a second.

From last night’s victory, the Nuggets hope to reclaim some of the momentum that had been absent during their recent two game skid. Last night's 90-89 victory marks the first time the Nuggets have beaten the Bulls at the United Center since 2006. The Nuggets will look to end their road trip on a positive note with a victory tonight against the Bucks.

The Bucks come into tonight’s game riding a two-game winning streak, beating the Timberwolves and the Knicks, and have been surprisingly competitive in all of their games in this young season.

Injuries

Nuggets

Despite his bruised fibula, Kenyon Martin made the start on Tuesday night and looked impressive doing so. He came away with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and one blocked shot. He is listed as probable for tonight’s game, and barring any unforeseen setbacks, he will be in the starting lineup.

Bucks

Joe Alexander (right hamstring strain) and Michael Redd (left patella tendon strain) will both sit out tonight’s game.

Mismatch in Favor of the Nuggets—Carmelo Anthony vs. Carlos Delfino

Anthony really struggled last night against the physical play of Luol Deng. He had by far his worst performance of the season, and seemed frustrated at times with his inability to score in the paint.

Fortunately for Anthony, he will be facing a much weaker opponent tonight in Carlos Delfino. While an above average perimeter defender, Delfino does not possess the physical attributes of Deng, and will not be able to contain Anthony in the post.

Expect ‘Melo to have a big bounce-back game against the Bucks.

Mismatch in Favor of the Bucks—Andrew Bogut vs. Nene

I had to look up and down the lineups many times before finally concluding that this was the best chance the Bucks have for an advantageous matchup.

Bogut is coming off of three straight strong performances, in which he seemed to answer some of the questions about his lingering back injury. In each of these games, he went 8-14 from the field and recorded double digit rebounds in two of the three games.

Bogut understands how to use his size to his advantage, and should be able to keep Nene off of the low block. Nene possesses superior strength and quickness, but he has had difficulties putting together multiple quality starts in a row throughout his career.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bogut out-rebound and outscore Nene tonight, and be more of a key contributor to his team.

Key Matchup—Chauncey Billups vs. Brandon Jennings

This is the most intriguing matchup of the night. Billups is a savvy veteran, capable of getting the better of almost any point guard in the league on any given night. Jennings has been the early front runner for Rookie of the Year, and he has truly been one of the NBA’s most pleasant surprises.

Jennings has a lightning quick first step and could give Billups some trouble off the dribble. However, Chauncey is a solid perimeter defender and if he can keep Jennings out of the lane, it could be a long night for the rookie.

If Chauncey can control the pace of the game and impose his style of play, he will definitely have the upper hand against the inexperienced rookie. Until now, Jennings hasn’t had to deal with a guard who has Chauncey’s combination of skill and experience. This will prove to be a tough test.

I would give the edge to the Nuggets in this matchup.

Keys to the Game for Nuggets

•Billups containing Brandon Jennings

•J.R. Smith needs to provide a spark to the second unit

•‘Melo needs to bounce back and come up big

Keys to the Game for the Bucks

•slow down Denver’s second unit

•win the rebounding battle

•get physical with ‘Melo

Prediction-Nuggets Win 110-95

The Nuggets are by far the better team on paper, and should be able to handle the Bucks rather easily. However, the Bucks are a pesky bunch and have surprised some people so far with their performance.

That said, I just don’t see this being a close contest tonight. This is the final game of a long road trip for the Nuggets, who will look to finish strong before their game against the Lakers on Friday. The Nuggets should be able to take advantage of their depth and the Bucks second unit doesn’t match up well with the likes of Ty Lawson, J.R. Smith, and the Birdman.