Nuggets vs Magic: Injury Updates, Team News, Match Preview & Predictions

Match details-

Fixture: Denver Nuggets vs Orlando Magic

Date & Time: Wednesday, December 18, 2019, 9:00 PM ET (Thursday, 2:00 AM GMT)

Venue: Pepsi Center, Denver, CO

Preview-

Just one victory in their last five game saw Orlando Magic’s record in the season slip to a 12-15. They are still placed eight in the Eastern Conference- a position they would be happy to be at the end of regular season. It is still a long way away, and they would want to concentrate on the current set of games. Denver is not the easiest of places to visit, especially not when you are struggling for some form.

However, the Nuggets themselves have been a little inconsistent over the last few games. After an impressive start to the season, they now have a 50% record in their last 10 games. Their last three games were victories against Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks. They will be looking for a fourth consecutive victory when they host Orlando Magic on Wednesday.

Injury updates & team news-

Denver Nuggets-

Injuries: Paul Milisap (Quadraceps)- Questionable

Expected starting line-up: Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, Jerami Grant, Will Braton, Nikola Jokic

Orlando Magic-

Injuries: Al-Farouq Aminu (Torn meniscus)- Out

Expected starting line-up: Markelle Fultz, Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac, Nikola Vucevic

Predictions-

The Nuggets will once again look at Nikola Jokic for inspiration. After a below par start to the season, Jokic is now leading the Nuggets in average points and rebounds per game.  He is fresh from a  double-double in the previous game, where he registered 25 points and 10 rebounds.

As for Orlando, Evan Fournier has led them on points in the season with an average of 20.0 points per game this season. Jonathan Isaac has led them in rebounds per game with an average of 7.3 per game, while  D.J. Augustin is the team’s leader in assists per game recording 4.8 per game. The team might, however, fall short of against strong Nuggets defence, who are 11-3 at home.