DENVER NUGGETS
Recap/Rewind: The short-handed Nuggets got blindsided by the schedule-makers this week. The Lakers, Jazz, Spurs, and Rockets stepped up to Denver's all-you-can win buffet and left stuffed. The Bucks got stuck with the bill, losing to the Nuggets 104-92 last Monday, Denver's only win in their last eight games. The Mile-High Marauders are limping along at .500, the first time they've sunk to that mark since November 18th.
Notable News: In an attempt to shake up the roster and get a point guard who can actually run a team, the Nuggets shipped high-octane sub Earl Boykins and little-used reserve Julius Hodge to the Milwaukee Bucks for journeyman point guard Steve Blake. Blake netted 13 points and 6 assists in his debut. They're expecting him to be an excellent complementary piece since he won't be put out when Carmello Anthony and Allen Iverson start divvying up shots using the time-honored "Fifty for me, one for you" system. Marcus Camby continues to be a monster on the boards, grabbing 24 total rebounds in the loss against Houston, this despite a broken finger. (His fortitude amazed Sacramento Kings players, many of whom worry over broken fingernails.) Allen Iverson's scoring average was 24.4 ppg this week which was not enough to lead his team to victory. J.R. Smith returned from suspension to ineffective shooting, but little-known Missouri forward Linus "I don't carry no blanket" Kleiza scored in double figures in three games this week.
Fast Forward: The Nuggets have a lighter schedule this week, no-doubt summarily disposing of the Trailblazers in the Pacific Northwest before taking on Cleveland at home Friday and traveling to Houston on Saturday.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Recap/Rewind: The puppies wrecked the opposition this week, scoring wins against Philadelphia and Houston at home then losing by a single point to the Clippers before resuming their winning ways at Memphis. With Denver losing every game it set eyes on this was enough to vault Minnesota into the semi-coveted second-place spot in the division, making them strong favorites for the Sam Bowie "I coulda been a contender" award.
Notable News: Journeyman center Mark Blount, apparently having sold his soul to the devil right around Christmastime, continued a string of 20-point performances this week. He lit up Houston and the Clippers for 21 before finding foul trouble against the Grizzlies and coming back to earth with his usual 8. If he keeps this up he's going to lose the label "defensive specialist." The most amazing part? His contract's not even expiring this year. Ricky Davis is also on a hot, but less surprising, scoring streak. Kevin Garnett does nothing but average legitimate double-doubles (very few 19's or 11's in the bunch) every single night while carrying his team on both ends of the floor. Spring-stepped forward Eddie Griffin was suspended for five games in violation of the league's substance abuse policy. No truth to the rumor that he grabbed something out of Barry Bonds' teammates' locker. Point guard Mike James continues to look decent one night, comatose the next but young Rashad McCants made some noise with a couple double-digit scoring efforts this week.
Fast Forward: The 'Wolves play two games against Detroit this week with a tilt against the Hawks thrown in as a gooey center to the sandwich.
PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Recap/Rewind: The Blazers continue their strict policy of losing to everybody except the Kings, falling to Miami, San Antonio, and Dallas this week before stepping out of character to roast Sacramento's defense for 50%+ shooting and 95 points. Blazer fans get a free Taco Bell chalupa every time their squad tops 100 but because business has been so slow the fine people at The Bell are considering extending the promotion, offering a free packet of mild sauce every time the team breaks 80.
Notable News: Starting point guard Jarrett Jack suffered a concussion in a car accident Friday and will be woozy for a while. Second overall pick Lamarcus Aldridge has seen increased playing time and is responding with double-digit scoring. Long-buried point guard Dan Dickau got the start Friday night in place of Jack and laid 11 points on the Kings. Backup guard Juan Dixon tallied 21 points against Sacramento, leading smart fantasy players everywhere to post sticky-note reminders "Start whoever Sacramento guards!" Every time he takes the court Spanish rookie Sergio Rodriguez proves he has more dimes in him than a parking meter. Unfortunately he can't stay out there because he lets more drivers through than a toll booth. Having watched "Speed" too many times, Blazers forward Zach Randolph is convinced that his ride will explode if he scores fewer than 20 points per game. First-round pick Brandon Roy averaged 15, 4, and 3 in the last five games.
Fast Forward: The Blazers host Denver and Cleveland this week before heading on the road to Phoenix.