Preseason Preview #2: Nuggets @ Suns

(Boulder-CO) Tonight's game is a psuedo-home game for the Suns, but it is hard to say either team will have a homecourt advantage seeing how the game will be played under the stars of the California sky in the NBA's first outdoor game since the Suns beat the Bucks in a preseason contest on Sept. 24, 1972, at a baseball stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Which reminds me of a certain part in a certain movie that details just how playing hoops outdoors can affect one's game...



However, there's some bad news for Nuggets fans. As I outlined in last night's game recap, Carmelo Anthony has an injured finger and according to one of my sources who talked to Coach Karl he's doubtful for tonight's game as is Allen Iverson. The Answer is going to stay behind to receive treatment on his swollen left knee, according to ESPN.

But one man's misfortune can be another's opportunity and Iverson's absence may be the perfect opportunity to see which reserve guard (i.e. Smush Parker, Matten Cleaves, or Dahntay Jones) steps up to seize such a chance to impress the Nuggets' coaching staff. The same goes for all the small forwards on this team. With Anthony sidelined, Linas Kleiza, Ruben Patterson, Juwan Howard, and Renaldo Balkman will have extended minutes to prove what they can bring to this team against the very talented front line of Phoenix Suns.

Tonight's game tips off at 8pm MST and is nationally televised on TNT.

"I do detect the smell of...CASH...in the air."

Go Nuggets!