Prior to facing the 76ers, the Nuggets were coming off a 3-game losing streak. Post that victory, they’re hoping to find any semblance of consistency to maintain their position in the hunt for the playoffs. Sitting in 4th in the West might look pretty, but they lost those 3 games to teams below them in the league. Their next game ain’t too different though, as they face LaMelo Ball‘s Charlotte Hornets, who are currently 14th in the East.

Their recent dub came with bittersweet feelings. While they did earn a much-needed win, their point guard Russell Westbrook was seen limping off with a left hamstring tightness. Now, I know what you’re thinking- why fear when Nikola Jokic is here? And you’re right, to an extent. The Joker might be the MVP this season, but with Westbrook’s injury, you’re potentially missing out on 13 PPG, 5.1 RPG, and 6.4 APG for the next few games.

It’s been confirmed by the Nuggets’ official X handle that Russ will be out for their clash vs the Hornets. Naturally, head coach Michael Malone will be looking for replacements that can help them get across the line.

Coach Malone clearly rates him, saying, “He came here for one reason, that’s to help us win a championship. He hates to lose, and that’s what I also love about him. He’s built the right way, and I’ll go to war with Russell Westbrook any day.” Say what you want about the 36-year-old’s plays vs the 76ers, his injury is a big blow to the Mile High Crew.

Russ has been a part of all their games this season. The 2017 MVP of the year has aged like fine wine, putting up numbers like he eats teams for breakfast. 1210 games, 21.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and 8.1 APG. He joined the Nuggets earlier this season, but his shifts playing for the Thunders are hard to forget, especially when he was averaging a triple-double a game in his MVP-winning season. Unfortunately for him, he’ll have to be one of the Nugs fanboys against the Hornets.

Hornets looking to rub salt in Nuggets wounds

LaMelo Ball and Co. have pretty much given up playoff hopes at this point. Sitting 14th in the East, they have only one mission in mind tonight- to deep-fry the Nuggets till they’re burnt to a crisp.

They have a 12-33 W/L record this season, putting them on .267 PCT. But this season does seem like a déjà vu for their fans. In their last 5 seasons, they’ve only averaged .384 PCT, pretty much being the Association’s fodder squad. They’ve not even qualified for the playoffs in that time. But this can work for them, as they’re going into the game with nothing to lose.

Melo himself is also ruled out due to a left ankle sprain, and the Hornets are winless in their 3 games without him. Regardless, you bet they’ll do all they can to come out of the Spectrum with a dub in front of the Buzz City faithful.

Predicted Nuggets lineup vs the Hornets

Alongside Russell Westbrook, Vlatko Cancar has also been ruled out with a left knee injury, while DaRon Holmes II is out for the season with a torn right Achilles tendon. Keeping that in mind, the Nuggets lineup can be:

Westbrook’s injury could prove to be a big blow for the Denver outfit. Their 4th position could seem to be as comfy as being under covers on a cloudy day, but just a little bit of complacency can prove to be vital for their playoff chances. Will the Hornets’ sting be enough to bring tears to Nuggets’ eyes, or will the Mile High Crew be flying even higher at the end of the battle?