The Orlando Magic face the fifth game of a six-game road trip, as they visit Denver to take on the Nuggets, at Pepsi Center on Monday.
The Magic (17-25) are 1-3 on their road trip so far. They are coming off a 114-107 loss in Utah on Saturday, where they led 42-29 after the first quarter but were not able to keep it up, as they were outscored 85-65 over the final three quarters. All five starters scored in double digits in the loss, led by Elfrid Payton, who came up with 28 points, to go along with nine rebounds and nine assists, in 39 minutes. However, Orlando’s bench was quiet, adding only 18 points. The Magic are 10-12 on the road this season but only 3-7 in their last 10 games overall. The Magic will have to carry on without their leading scorer, as Evan Fournier (foot), who averages 17.0 points per game, will remain sidelined through Monday.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets (15-23) are coming off a very impressive showing in London, England on Thursday, where they trounced the Pacers, 140-112, at O2 Arena. Six players scored in double digits for the Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, who filled the stat sheet, with 22 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, one steal and a block, in 30 minutes. Wilson Chandler was also exceptional, with 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. The Nuggets have been dealing with injuries all season but will hopefully have Gary Harris (groin) and Danilo Gallinari (foot) in the lineup on Monday, as both are probable for action. However Darrell Arthur (knee) will remain sidelined. The Nuggets are 8-11 at home this season but have lost their last three at Pepsi Center.
