Event of the Day: Denver Nuggets versus LA Clippers

Our event of the day is the colossal Western Conference clash in the NBA between the Denver Nuggets and the LA Clippers at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets have been formidable at home this season, boasting a record of 16-3 in the Mile High City. However, the Clippers will be buoyed by their recent impressive form which sees them go into tonight’s game on the back of a three-game winning streak. With both of these franchises likely to be playing playoff basketball this season, they will be jostling for position in the Western Conference, with the Nuggets currently setting the pace atop the conference. The Nuggets have one of the most dynamic offences in the NBA and only the Golden State Warriors average more assists per game than Denver.

However, it has been their solid defence that has propelled Michael Malone’s team to the summit of the Western Conference, lead by center Nikola Jokić. The 7ft Serb has been dominant at both ends of the floor this season, averaging 10.2 rebounds per game, along with 19.2 points to boot. With the fourth-year center having played all 39 games of the Nuggets’ season thus far, he has proven to be a crucial member of Malone’s squad and will be vital as his team push to maintain the top spot in the West. As they have done throughout the season, the LA Clippers will likely once again turn to their star-studded bench to help them leave Denver with the W. No other bench in the NBA has scored more points than the Clippers’ this season and this could prove crucial once more in tonight’s game, which is played at high altitude - making fatigue more of a factor. After finishing 10th in the Western Conference last term, the Clippers will be desperate to return to the playoffs, and notch their first ever NBA Championship. Last time these two franchises went head-to-head, the Clippers produced a dominant performance, beating the Nuggets 132-111 at the Staples Center. With LA looking for a repeat of that result and Denver out for revenge, this is set to be a thrilling clash between two of the West’s best sides.

Honourable mentions around the globe go to the NHL clash between the Vegas Golden Knights and the San Jose Sharks at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The hosts will be looking for their eighth-straight win whilst the Sharks will be hoping to avenge their 6-0 loss to the Knights earlier in the season and extend their own unbeaten run to five. There is another pivotal fixture in the NBA as the in-form San Antonio Spurs host the Oklahoma City Thunder at the AT&T Center. There is action on the PGA Tour, as the Sony Open in Hawaii gets underway as the 144-man field compete for the hefty $6 million purse. In Australia’s Big Bash League the Brisbane Heat host the Melbourne Renegades at the Gabba. Finally, the Asian Cup continues as India and Jordan go in search of their second wins in the group stage as they go up against the UAE and Syria, respectively.

Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!

Fixture

Photos by NBA

 

See what else is happening in the world of sport

Fixture calendar