Event of the Day: Denver Nuggets versus Oklahoma City Thunder
Our event of the day comes from the NBA where a blockbuster is taking place in the Western Conference, as the Denver Nuggets do battle with Oklahoma City Thunder at the Pepsi Center. Both of these franchises are well in the hunt to secure the top spot in the West going into the playoffs, as they reside second and third in the standings which are presently topped by reigning champions Golden State. Whilst the Nuggets go into this one on the back of a four-game winning streak, the visitors have won just two of their last four outings and will be desperate to find some form as they head for post-season basketball.
Denver currently sit just one game behind the Warriors in the west, thanks in no small part to their formidable home court form. Michael Malone has seen his side lose just four games in the Mile High City this term, winning the other 26 – no one in the entire league has won more games at home this year. Whilst they look in great stead to notch a playoff berth this season, the Nuggets are seriously lacking in post season experience in recent years, having failed to qualify for the past five straight seasons. In fact, they have never reached an NBA Finals series and Malone and co. will be desperate to re-write the history books this time round.
Contrastingly, the Oklahoma City Thunder are no strangers to the post-season scene, having secured a playoff berth in eight of the last nine NBA seasons. They continue to be led by eight-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook, who currently leads the team in assists and rebounds on the season. However, their star-studded ranks have been upgraded further this year with the acquisition of Paul George who is enjoying an MVP-worthy season, averaging 28.7 points per game and 2.2 steals, leading the team in both categories. With their playoff berth all but secured, the Thunder will be looking to climb up the standings in the final few months of the season as they look to gain home court advantage come the commencement of playoff basketball.
Oklahoma are yet to get the better of their adversaries from Denver this season, having lost both home and away so they will be desperate to become just the fifth to leave the Mile High City with the W as they take to the Pepsi Center court tonight.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Premier League where two relegation candidates will go head to head, as Newcastle take on Burnley at St. James’ Park. Both sides enjoyed victories at the weekend, with the Magpies comfortably dismantling Huddersfield whilst Burnley stunned Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham with a 2-1 win at home. But, with both sides just two poor results away from the relegation zone, they will be desperate to secure all three points in tonight’s crucial tie.
Elsewhere, Leeds United could go top of the Championship with a win over Queens Park Rangers tonight, as they do battle at Loftus Road. In the NHL, the Montreal Candiens will look to keep their playoff hopes alive as they travel to Detroit to face the Red Wings, who will look to snap their five-game losing streak. Finally, the Abierto Mexicano Telcel continues with the round of 32 in the tennis today, as both the men and women compete for the 16 spots in the next round.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by NBA