Jonah BallowWolves Editor/Writer
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Wolves vs. Nuggets 7 PM - Target Center
WHERE TO WATCH: FSNORTH
WHERE TO LISTEN: KFAN 1130
Scouting Report:
Big Picture:
  DOWNLOAD MP3 Kevin Love DOWNLOAD MP3 Wayne Ellington DOWNLOAD MP3 Carmelo Anthony DOWNLOAD MP3Chris "Birdman" Anderson DOWNLOAD MP3
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Last Meeting:
The Nuggets topped Minnesota 105-94 on January 11 to take a 2-1 season series lead. Both teams split the matchups in November with the Wolves snatching a big 106-100 victory at the Pepsi Center in Denver.
Backcourt:
Chauncey Billups is a rock solid presence for a team that features wide ranging personalities. The 33-year old continues to build a loyal Nuggets fan base due to his strong leadership skills and calming influence on the floor. There is an understanding that ultimately, Billups is the key to Denver's postseason success as Denver fights for its first NBA title in franchise history. In the last meeting against Minnesota, Billups dished out ten assists while reaching the charity stripe nine times for eight of his 18 points. Wolves rookie Jonny Flynn faces the challenge of defending the physicality Billups presents at the point guard position. The former NBA Finals MVP is known for taking smaller opponents down on the blocks for post up scoring opportunities. At the shooting guard spot, Denver made an intelligent decision to let Dahntay Jones sign with the Pacers over the offseason and acquire Arron Afflalo. In his first season in a Nuggets uniform, Affalo is averaging a career-best nine points per game but more importantly, shooting 45 percent behind the arc. When defenses collapse on Anthony or slide over to trap Billups, Affalo becomes the safety valve and drains deep shots with regularity. Minnesota swing man Corey Brewer posted a team-high 25 points in the last meeting in Denver. Brewer's all-around game was on full display by adding seven boards, four assists, two steals, and two blocks against one of the most prolific offensive teams in the league.
Frontcourt:
Anthony is revving up the MVP engine over his past three outings. In three straight home games, the Nuggets small forward has recorded 30-plus points in each contest. As mentioned many times on the scouting reports this season, he is absolute defensive nightmare. Anthony places a tremendous amount of pressure on the opposing defense with his ability to run the fastbreak, work in the post, and the deadly jab-step while facing up on the perimeter. He is a supreme scorer with talent that usually exceeds any type of defensive scheme. Wolves small forward Ryan Gomes will try to utilize his strength to push Anthony from his sweet spots on the court. During the last matchup, Damien Wilkins started the game and only allowed Anthony to shoot three free throws and he committed four turnovers. Al Jefferson and Kevin Love must exploit Martin's absence from the game tonight. Both players combined for 44 points and 29 boards to help the Wolves win the battle on the glass during January's meeting. Big Al is fresh off his best performance of the season, scoring 36 points on Monday night.
What To Look For:
Bench play could decide the outcome of the game tonight. Denver receives a boost from sharpshooter J.R. Smith and center Chris "Birdman" Anderson as the two high-energy athletes push the pace in search of extending a lead or supplying support to the starters. The Wolves will hopefully welcome back shooting guard Wayne Ellington after he missed three straight games with an ankle injury. Tonight, Brewer is looking to extend his franchise-record streak of 28 consecutive games with a trey.
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