Denver Nuggets Skeptic

Manu Ginobili MVP Game 3

Manu Ginobili ensured the Spurs stayed on top, despite Tim Duncan's foul troubles. Spurs win, 86-78.

Game 2 Injury Report

(ESPN)

Denver Injuries:
Eduardo Najera F Hand Questionable Wed. vs Sas. 4/27
 Mark Pope FC Hamstring Questionable vs Sas. 4/22
Voshon Lenard SG Roster Spot Will miss the postseason playoffs. 4/22
Luis Flores G Hamstring Questionable vs Sas. 4/22
 
San Antonio Spurs:
Devin Brown SG Back Out Wed. vs Den. 4/26
Radoslav Nesterovic IR Ankle Doubtful Wed. vs Den. 4/27
 Linton Johnson SF Ankle I-L. 3/30

Denver's Most Productive Units

(82games.com) 82games.com details the performance of Denver's most used five-man units (minutes on the floor in parenthesis):

1. Miller-Buckner-Anthony-Martin-Camby (402)
2. Miller-Johnson-Anthony-Martin-Camby (212)
3. Boykins-Miller-Anthony-Martin-Camby (189)
4. Boykins-Miller-Anthony-Martin-Nene (96)
5. Miller-Johnson-Anthony-Nene-Camby (86)

Let's look at the Spurs in comparison, remembering that Duncan has been out of commission:

1. Parker-Ginobili-Bowen-Duncan-Nesterovic (573 minutes)
2. Parker-Ginobili-Bowen-Horry-Duncan (150)
3. Parker-Ginobili-Bowen-Horry-Nesterovic (143)
4. Parker-Barry-Bowen-Duncan-Nesterovic (112)
5. Parker-Barry-Bowen-Horry-Duncan (79)

82games.com goes on to claim that Denver has the fourth-best squad, led only by Sacramento, Indianapolis, and Houston.

Link: Statistical analysis of how Denver stacks up against San Antonio

Marcus Camby Update

(Rotoworld) Marcus Camby had 12 points, 12 boards and four blocks as the Nuggets stole game one in San Antonio. Rotoworld adds their two cents: "Camby missed the last three regular-season games, but was big tonight. The Nuggets are in the Spurs heads, and could actually win this series. But our money's still on the Spurs."

Andre Miller Update

(Rotoworld) Andre Miller's strong play continued tonight as he had 31 points, four boards and five assists in the Denver win.

Mark Kiszla: "Martin's production must match contract"

(Denver Post) Kiszla makes the point that now is the time for Kenyon to earn his money.

Eduardo Najera Update

(Rotoworld) Eduardo Najera can't dribble or shoot right now with his fractured right hand, but is planning on trying to play on Sunday.

He was given a roster spot over Voshon Lenard and is a warrior. When told of Najera's plans and struggles, coach George Karl lauded his forward. ''I love him. I'm proud of him for what he's trying to do, you know?'' Karl said. ''Yesterday, he wanted to tear the cast off. But you know, there's pain and there's stupidity. And there's medical evaluation. And, can he catch and shoot the ball? All those things have to be evaluated. Unfortunately, we're going to have to wait until Saturday probably to find out a little bit more.''

Source: Denver Post

Voshon Lenard De-Activated

(Rotoworld) Voshon Lenard will not make the playoff roster. He only had two points in tonight's win and season closer.

Mark Pope Update

(Rotoworld) Nuggets activated forward/center Mark Pope from the IL. He'd been out with a hamstring injury.

Voshon Lenard Activated

(Hoopsworld) The Nuggets activated shooting guard Voshon Lenard, who has been out nearly the entire season wtih a torn Achilles' tendon.