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Who: New Orleans Hornets(7) @ Denver Nuggets(2)
When: Wednesday April 22nd
Where: The Pepsi Center in Denver, CO
Time: 9:30 PM CST
TV/Radio: TNT/KMEZ 106.7 FM
Season Series: Tied at 2-2
Team Trivia: Chris Andersen played for the Hornets from 2004-06, and again in 2007-08. In 106 games, Andersen averaged 6.8 points and 5.4 rebounds in 19.2 minutes per game.
NOLA/Denver Preview
NOLA- Key players have battled injuries throughout the season and in some ways are still stuck in that battle. With that said, the Hornets can't afford to let that distract them against the more healthy Nuggets team. As expect, the man of the hour Chris Paul a.k.a. CP3 has to bring the noise as usual through his passing game, his slashing, his ability to take the game over, and his leadership to keep the team's confidence at a great high. David West has to be strong offensively against Kenyon Martin to keep CP3 from taking the load on himself throughtout the series. Peja Stojakovic needs to contribute from the perimeter so the Nuggets defense stay spread out. The X-Factor himself James Posey has to hit key shots for the Hornets and make his presence felt on the defensive end on the court. I expect him to be match up against Melo at times throughout the series. Rebounding is a concern for the Hornets as Tyson Chandler hasn't been playing up to par during the season due to injuries. His effective on the glass and on defense will determine if the Hornets will dominate the glass with authority.
Nuggets- The Nuggets are healthy and energized by the trade of Chauncey Billups earlier in the season as the true PG the Nuggets needed. Billups is well known for making the clutch shots, strong defense, and has a ring to prove it. This Nuggets team like the Hornets as athletic and are capable of getting up and down the floor, especiallly in transition offense. Carmelo Anthony leads the Nuggets with 22pts a game and will look to impose their will early as the Nuggets have HCA in Denver. Kenyon Martin and Nene are the anchormen on defense and the boards for the Nuggets as they wil look to impose their will on the Hornets frontcourt. The X-Factor for them is JR Smith. His athleticism and ability to score quickly for the Nuggets will be key in this series. If his game is on, look for the Hornets to put Julian Wright or James Posey on him to keep Smith from burning the Hornets up. If the Nuggets get in trouble, that means the transition offense was limited, CP3 becomes too much to handle, JR Smith didn't play to par as the Nuggets X-Factor. Melo forces the issue on offense and is force to play from the perimeter. Martin and Nene have foul trouble in the playoffs.
Expectant winner: Hornets in 7
Hornets Starters
Nuggets Starters
And remember these three Rs.: Reuse, Renew, Recycle like this thread here.
This is the Playoffs 2009. Good luck and may the best team win.
GL.
