The Nuggets will be on the tail end of a back-to-back and must now fend off Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers.

HOME TEAM: Denver Nuggets (26-12, 15-5 at home)

The Denver Nuggets suffered a big upset loss to the lottery-bound Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, 111-103. Their usually stout defense disappointed as it allowed six Cavs to score in double-figures.

The unexpected defeat should factor into the team’s morale for tomorrow’s clash against one of the league’s best. It’s either they sink deeper or suddenly play aggressive to make up for the embarrassing loss.

Nevertheless, the Nuggets will be boasting a variety of weapons. Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Will Barton, Paul Millsap, and Gary Harris have double-digit scoring averages. They’re all capable of an offensive explosion on any given night. Jokic, in particular, has been on a roll as of late. He’s tallying 23.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 6.4 assists on 56%-shooting in his last 19 games.

ROAD TEAM: LA Clippers (27-12, 10-8 on the road)

The LA Clippers enter tomorrow’s contest having won four of their last five games. They have also come out victorious in three of their last four appearances on the road.

Paul George was rested in Sunday’s 109-100 win over the Golden State Warriors due to a hamstring injury. It’s still unclear if he’ll be available tomorrow. He’s currently in a slump, scoring just 18.7 PPG on 35.7%-shooting in his last seven outings.

The other half of the Clippers’ superstar duo, Kawhi Leonard, isn’t in his best form either. Though scoring a healthy 24.2 PPG in his last five, The Klaw is only shooting 40% in that span.

Fortunately, though, third and fourth scorers Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell are both picking up the slack. The two are averaging over 24 PPG in the past week and shooting 50.8% and 60.3%, respectively.

PREDICTION:

I see Jokic maintaining his stat-stuffing barrage, but the Clippers are chasing the Nuggets in the standings so expect a focused bunch. They win, 109-104, courtesy of a solid night from Leonard, Williams, and Harrell.