The All-Star break can’t come soon enough for the Denver Nuggets.
Starting point guard Ty Lawson is dealing with a fractured rib. His backup Nate Robinson and forward Danilo Gallinari are out for the season after knee operations. Center JaVale McGee remains sidelined with a stress fracture in his left leg.
Before the break arrives, the Nuggets (24-25) must complete a four-game road trip that continues Monday night against the Indiana Pacers and concludes Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Here’s a quick look at each opponent:
Indiana
The Pacers (39-11) will be completing a back-to-back set after blowing a 17-point lead Sunday in Orlando. Indiana, which still boasts the league’s best record, also will draw motivation from its 109-96 loss to the Nuggets at Pepsi Center on Jan. 25. Of note: Six of Indy’s 11 losses have come on the second night of a back-to-back.
Minnesota
Like Denver, the Timberwolves (24-27) are simply trying to stay afloat in the Western Conference. All-Star forward Kevin Love has been bothered by neck and quad injuries, while guard Kevin Martin is out with a broken thumb. Minnesota entered Monday’s play having lost five of six games.