Timberwolves in Denver, NBA Notes

The Wolves are in Denver to face the Nuggets tonight for the first time this season.

It's been a tough start to the year for the Nuggets, who are currently 12-17, and outside a hot stretch over the 2nd half of November where they won 8 of 10, have looked like one of the poorer teams in the league.

Of course, not as poor as the Wolves, who head into the game on a six game losing streak, but things haven't gone well for the Nuggets. They have really struggled shooting the ball, sitting 27th in efg% in the league, and 28th in 3P%, despite having an above average 3Pr. In other words, they are clanging a lot of jumpers, with Ty Lawson having a particularly tough time shooting it so far this year.

The Nuggets also commit fouls at a close to league high rate, something the Wolves, who are generally good at getting to the free throw line, will have to take advantage of if they want to have a chance in this one.

Their big strength is rebounding; they are in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive rebounding percentage. The Wolves, who struggle on the defensive glass and rely on offensive rebounding to score, will have to be better on the boards if they hope to compete.

Would be great to see Andrew Wiggins put together another strong game tonight.

A few notes

• Josh Smith signing with the Rockets for the rest of the year. Looks like the Rockets are going to move one of their extraneous pieces to make roster room. They always have guys they can move if needed.
• A decent Christmas slate yesterday; the Thunder pulling away late in San Antonio, with Russell Westbrook dominating and OKC using their length and athleticism to disrupt the Spurs was particularly fun to watch.
• Watching the Knicks is, sadly, not unlike watching the Wolves. That defense...ugh.
• I hope you had a nice holiday.