W2W4: Brooklyn Nets vs Denver Nuggets

denverpost.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

March 29th, 2013

Brooklyn Nets vs. Denver Nuggets

Pre Game News and Notes

The Brooklyn Nets will be in the Mile High City of Denver Colorado on Friday night to play the Nuggets, who have emerged as one of the better teams in the Western Conference in large part due to their fantastic play at home.

- Don’t Forget to Breathe


The Nuggets have learned very well how to use the high altitude of Denver to their advantage, as they run and gun style of play mixed with the thin air of Denver has caused tons of problems for visiting teams. Denver has established themselves as one of best home teams in the NBA, with a (32-3) record in the Pepsi Center, which is tied with the Miami Heat. Especially at home Denver will look to push the pace against the Nets, who are one of the slower teams in the NBA when it comes to pace, so it will be interesting to see who can set the pace in this game between two different style of offensives.

- Not Looking Good For Joe

The Nets will likely be without Shooting Guard Joe Johnson for the game in Denver, as he officially listed as doubtful. Johnson said that his quad is feeling better, but that the reason he is doubtful to play is once again because of his heel, which has caused him to miss four games before he hurt his quad. If Johnson sits it would be safe to assume that P.J. Carlesimo will once again start Keith Bogans, which has been working well, and go with C.J. Watson and MarShon Brooks off the bench at the Shooting Guard Position.

- A New Joker

Power Forward Reggie Evans is coming off the best game of his career against the Portland Trail Blazers, and has been playing much better lately, as he has been more aggressive on the offensive end, and always is a monster on the glass. Evans went through a tough patch and that caused him to get motivated when he heard one of his teammates tell coach Carlesimo to bench him. Instead of getting mad Evans bit his tongue, and used the criticism in a positive way, and it certainly has showed lately, especially in his 20-20 game against the Trail Blazers.

This maybe the toughest game on the circus road-trip for the Nets, as the Nuggets are playing good basketball, and they are almost impossible to beat at home, but the Nets are playing good basketball as well, and a win in Denver would make a statement for the Nets, as they head towards the playoffs.