Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets preview

The Clippers have won back-to-back games against Detroit and Indiana, most recently beating the Pacers 102-100 on Wednesday.

The Denver Nuggets opened their season with seven losses in nine games before going on a stretch in which they won seven of eight games. They enter Friday’s game against the Clippers at 6 p.m. having lost three games in a row.

The Clippers (18-7) are in fifth place in the Western Conference while the Nuggets (10-15) are in 12th place.

The Nuggets are averaging the fourth-most rebounds in the league at 45.5 a game. That could pose a problem for the Clippers, who are averaging the third fewest rebounds in the league at 39.9 despite the fact that their center, DeAndre Jordan, is leading the league in rebounding with 13 a game.

After Wednesday’s win, the Clippers had Thursday off before heading to Denver on Friday. When Clippers Coach Doc Rivers was asked if there’s a harder arena to play in than Pepsi Center, he didn’t hesitant in his response.

“No,” Rivers said. “That’s as tough as it gets. Having said that, at least it’s a day off, then playing them.”

Javale McGee (left lower leg strain) and Randy Foye (right vastus lateris strain) are out for the Nuggets. Spencer Hawes (left knee bruise) is out for the Clippers.