Nuggets try to maintain their hot streak against heat

The Denver Nuggets have had the highlight of their season so far. The win they got on Wednesday was their first big win of the season. They went into the game as underdogs and emerged victorious. It took great plays from everyone, but they did just that – at least for the most part. Russell Westbrook had 29 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. He had a classic Russ game and the Nuggets are currently 3-0 with Russ as the starter. Aaron Gordon will miss this game as he is expected to be out for a few weeks or more with a calf strain. Jamal Murray has a chance to play but is listed as questionable. So he’s in the air. The Heat have been a mediocre team this season and it’s a good chance for the Nuggets to pick up another win.

The essentials

WHO: Denver Nuggets (5-3) vs. Miami Heat (3-4)

When: 7:00 p.m. MST

Where: The tin. Denver, CO

How to watch/listen: Altitude TV, if available, NBA League Pass, if not available in the Nuggets market. Altitude radio 92.5 FM. Dress up as mini Rocky and say you’re doing a routine inspired by Russian nesting dolls.

Injury report: Vlatko Cancar – out (ankle), DaRon Holmes II – out (hamstring), Aaron Gordon – out (calf), Jamal Murray – questionable (concussion); Jamie Jacquez Jr. – questionable (conditioning), Kevin Love – out (conditioning)

The three things

What you should pay attention to: The No Point Guard lineup

The Nuggets finished their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a lineup without point guards. If Jamal Murray misses the game, the lineup should gain some momentum. According to Cleaning The Glass, the Julian Strawther/Christian Braun/Peyton Watson/Michael Porter Jr./Nikola Jokic lineup is +54.5 in the 20 minutes they’ve played so far. This positive net rating won’t last, of course, but it could be an answer to what the Nuggets should do if they’re missing a few starters.

Here’s what you should remember: The Heat are a strange team

In a rematch of the 2023 NBA Finals, Nuggets fans should remember how strange a team the Miami Heat can be. Especially this season. Russell Westbrook currently has a higher strike rate than Bam Adebayo. Tyler Herro was probably their best player. There are just so many strange things happening. They are unpredictable and who knows what this game will contain. One thing I will note is that the Heat usually get off to hot starts, no pun intended. Then they cool down significantly. So as long as the Nuggets can hold on until the second half, they should be fine.

The right thing to listen to: Spain at the Elba Triangle

Today I leave you with a cover of the Chic Corea classic Spain to listen to. It’s a little faster than the original and I listen to it when I play basketball or soccer. It’s a track that can get people in the mood and for me it generally gives off a positive vibe. After that Thunder win, it would be difficult for me to offer a song that doesn’t lighten the mood.

We regret to inform everyone that our Stiffs Night Out at Number 38 tonight is canceled due to the weather. Rest assured there will be many more Stiffs Night Outs this season. Stay safe out there!