NBA 11/3/16

Denver +3.5 (3u) W

The Nuggets have lost back to back games against two playoff caliber teams in Portland and Toronto, losing by one possession each after holding a 4th quarter lead. Although they're thin at the 2 with Barton and Harris inactive for tonight, Arthur has been cleared to make his season debut and should help with spacing the floor for the guards to operate. The public has been all over this young but extremely talented Wolves team to take the next step with Thibs at the helm but weren't able to close out their first two games before blowing out a severely depleted Memphis team on Tuesday. Although Dunn has looked good, this team is likely going to need at least a few weeks to settle in and get in rhythm with a rookie running the offense without Rubio in the starting lineup. The Nuggets are a bad matchup for Minnesota with their starting lineup featuring two solid centers in Jokic and Nurkic and should be a tough test with the rim protection they provide. Denver needs to be locked in for all 48 minutes and play to win instead of playing not to lose if they want to upset a hungry Wolves team on the road.