The Denver Nuggets have lost two consecutive games for the first time since early December, and preventing a third straight loss may be tough as injuries mount. Denver’s starting backcourt is struggling and may be unavailable when the Nuggets visit the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night. Jamal Murray (bilateral tibia inflammation) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (right hamstring) departed Monday’s defeat to Milwaukee and are doubtful for the Kings game.
“Yes, we want to win games,” Denver coach Michael Malone stated. “But Jamal and KCP are critical to our success. So we’re trying to get a big picture of it.” Wednesday night is the teams’ final game before the All-Star break, so a win would give the Nuggets some momentum heading into the break. A win would also allow Denver to avenge one of its two losses during this streak. The Nuggets were defeated by 29 points in Sacramento on Friday night, then by 17 points three nights later against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The defending champs are concerned about the frequent blowout losses, but this is to be expected throughout a long season. Denver does not want to go on a long losing run in a close competition for the Western Conference’s top seed. “When you lose by 30 points twice in a row, you need to fix a lot of things,” angry star center Nikola Jokic remarked. “… just a concentration on defense. Don’t give them an open glance. Also, don’t turn the ball over. That is a requirement. Wednesday’s game will be the third of four between the two clubs this season, with the Kings winning the previous two. Those games were played in Sacramento, and the following two will be held on the Nuggets’ home floor.
While Denver is dealing with injuries, the Kings will play the second game of a back-to-back set against marquee teams in the West. Sacramento dropped a close contest in Phoenix on Tuesday night, 130-125, despite getting big games from De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Fox scored 40 and Sabonis continued his strong season with 35 points, 18 rebounds and 12 assists, his third straight game with a triple-double. With Sabonis playing as well as he has, Wednesday’s game will feature two of the best passing big men in the NBA. Sabonis has a league-best 18 triple-doubles this season, and right behind him is Jokic, who has 15. Sabonis broke a tie with Jokic last Friday and has continued to play at a high level. Facing Jokic, a two-time MVP and the NBA Finals MVP last season, helps Sabonis focus more.
