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The Denver Nuggets are looking to break their five-game losing streak against the Indiana Pacers, who coincidently, are winners of their last five games. Look for both teams to come out energetic and lively considering they both have had plenty of time to prepare and are playing in London as a part of the NBA Global Games.
Regular season game No. 38 | Denver Nuggets (14-23) vs Indiana Pacers (20-18)
The O2 Arena, London, England | 1:00 PM MST | TV: NBA TV
While traveling to London is no easy task it does allow the Nuggets a unique opportunity to grow as a team off the court and to get some rest thanks to four full days without a game before taking on Indiana. With Denver dealing with the typical wear and tear of the NBA season and a couple players coming down the flue-like symptoms, the bonding and time off could go a long way towards helping the struggling Nuggets get back on track.
The level of frustration within the Nuggets’ organization is high and being able to slow down and enjoy exploring a new city should allow Denver to clear the air as a team.
“Anytime you have the chance to take a trip like this,” Michael Malone said. “If you can continue building team chemistry, trust, togetherness, and especially in the middle of a tough time right now then that is probably the most import thing.”
The rigors of the NBA season cannot be understated, especially for a young team. Giving players like Juancho Hernangomez, Jamal Murray, Malik Beasley and even Nikola Jokic, Jusuf Nurkic, and Gary Harris time to re-group is a luxury most young players do not get. Hopefully, it will reignite the play of the younger players on the roster.
“Anytime you build team and togetherness like we did in Omaha in training camp and all the days we were on the road during training camp,” Malone said. “That is always a positive.”
The main goal of the trip across the pond should be to get a victory over the Pacers. The Nuggets should come into the matchup with Indiana rested and prepared with so much time off.
“Obviously we will take time to enjoy London and all it has to offer,” Malone said. “But goal number one is to get a win.”
