Memphis Grizzlies (38-23, second in the Western Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (44-19, first in the Western Conference)
Denver; Friday, 10 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Memphis will try to build upon its three-game win streak with a victory against Denver.
The Nuggets are 31-12 in Western Conference games. Denver ranks seventh in the Western Conference with 33.0 defensive rebounds per game led by Nikola Jokic averaging 9.4.
The Grizzlies are 20-16 in conference games. Memphis has a 3-6 record in games decided by less than 4 points.
The teams square off for the third time this season. The Grizzlies won the last matchup 112-94 on Feb. 26. Ja Morant scored 23 points to help lead the Grizzlies to the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jokic is scoring 24.6 points per game and averaging 11.7 rebounds for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray is averaging 15.9 points and 2.8 rebounds over the last 10 games for Denver.
Morant is averaging 27.1 points, six rebounds and 8.2 assists for the Grizzlies. Desmond Bane is averaging 19.4 points and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 51.6% over the last 10 games for Memphis.
LAST 10 GAMES: Nuggets: 7-3, averaging 117.3 points, 44.1 rebounds, 31.7 assists, 7.0 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 51.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.4 points per game.
Grizzlies: 6-4, averaging 112.5 points, 44.1 rebounds, 24.3 assists, 9.1 steals and 6.6 blocks per game while shooting 47.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.2 points.
INJURIES: Nuggets: Collin Gillespie: out (leg), Zeke Nnaji: out (shoulder).
Grizzlies: Steven Adams: out (knee).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
The Associated Press
