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Game Preview: Kings-Nuggets

Players, coaches and management have changed for the Denver Nuggets over the past few seasons. One thing that remains constant is their ability to take advantage of a weary team at Pepsi Center.

Since the start of 2009-10, the Nuggets are 51-8 when facing a team completing a back-to-back set in the Mile High altitude. They will try to add to that record Sunday night against the Sacramento Kings.

The Kings are coming off a 105-98 victory Saturday over the Boston Celtics. They have split two meetings with the Nuggets this season – both in Sacramento.

Nuggets guard Aaron Brooks and forward Jan Vesely are set to make their Pepsi Center debuts. Brooks, acquired from the Houston Rockets, scored 17 points in Friday’s loss at Chicago. Vesely, acquired from the Washington Wizards, added five points and five rebounds.

“I felt a little more comfortable by the end of the game,” Brooks said. “You could tell the team was a little rusty, as far as me getting in there, but I think we will figure it out.”

KINGS AT NUGGETS

WHEN: 6 p.m. MT
WHERE: Pepsi Center, Denver.
TV; RADIO: Altitude; AM-950

PROBABLE STARTERS
DENVER (25-29)
F Wilson Chandler
F Kenneth Faried
C J.J. Hickson
G Randy Foye
G Aaron Brooks

SACRAMENTO (19-36)
F Rudy Gay
F Jason Thompson
C DeMarcus Cousins
G Ben McLemore
G Isaiah Thomas

INJURY REPORT
DENVER: Darrell Arthur (hip) is day-to-day; Ty Lawson (fractured rib) is doubtful; Danilo Gallinari (knee), JaVale McGee (stress fracture, left tibia) and Nate Robinson are out.
SACRAMENTO: Jason Terry (knee) is out.

SERIES NOTES
Denver has won nine straight home games against the Kings and 18 of the last 26 meetings overall ... The Nuggets have gone 15-3 against Sacramento at Pepsi Center since the 2003-04 season ...Denver’s 33-point win (118-85) in Sacramento on 12/6/08 is its largest margin of victory over the Kings franchise since joining the NBA in 1976-77 ... The Nuggets won the 2012-13 season series against Sacramento (4-0), the fourth time in the last five years Denver has won the series.