Game Preview
The surging Denver Nuggets roll into the nation's capital looking to extend their recent resurgence against the reeling Washington Wizards. Denver (11-9) has righted the ship after a sluggish start, winning 4 of their last 10 games behind an efficient offense averaging nearly 115 points per contest. The Nuggets have leaned on a balanced attack, shooting a blistering 48.8 percent from the field and 39.2 percent from deep while dishing out 30 assists per game.
Conversely, the Wizards (2-18) are mired in a nightmarish 16-game losing streak as their season continues spiraling out of control. Washington has been abysmal on both ends, getting outscored by a whopping 17 points per game while shooting just 43.9 percent from the floor. Their misery has compounded over the last 10 games, where they've averaged a paltry 103 points while allowing 124 points per contest.
While Denver's offense has thrived lately, averaging 119 points over their last 5 games on 51.2 percent shooting, the Wizards have cratered to new depths. Washington has managed just 101 points per game in that span while shooting an ice-cold 41.8 percent from the field and 25.4 percent from three. Their rebounding has been a relative bright spot, grabbing 43 boards per game, but they've continued coughing up the ball 15 times per contest.
If the Wizards have any hope of snapping this horrific skid, they'll need to shore up a defense that's been a revolving door, giving up 125 points per game over the last 5 while struggling to get stops. Meanwhile, the well-oiled Nuggets have found their rhythm and will look to keep pouring it on against the beleaguered Wizards.