National Basketball Association

Denver Nuggets vs Detroit Pistons: 3 Steps to Victory

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Nov 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) jumps up to attempt blocking a shot from Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) in the second half at Target Center. The Nuggets won 102-99. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

On Saturday, the Denver Nuggets travel to The Palace of Auburn Hills to take on the Detroit Pistons. This will be the Nuggets’ third game of their five-game road trip.

The Nuggets were involved in another close one on Thursday, where they beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 102-99. Close games seem to be a trend this year for the Nuggets.

The Pistons are coming off a loss to the Brooklyn Nets, where they lost 109-101. Tobias Harris, the Piston’s leading scorer, and Marcus Morris combined for 46 points that game.

Detroit is 3-0 at home this season, so the Nuggets hope to hand them their first loss. Denver has a winning record of 2-1 on the road this season.

Mudiay and gang need to use this game to finally put together a solid game. Nuggets fans can only handle so many close games in a row!

Want your voice heard? Join the Nugg Love team!

We have seen many positives from the Nuggets this season. On the other hand, we have also seen some negatives that need to be addressed.

Here are a few things to watch for on Saturday against the Pistons

What do you think of the Nuggets thus far in the season? Let us know on Twitter or in the comments!

Oct 30, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (34) signals to a ref during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons won 98-83. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Limit The Damage

In all four games this season, players have feasted on the Nuggets. Anthony Davis went off for 50 points, Lillard dropped 37, and DeRozan had 33. Even last game Karl Anthony-Towns dropped 32.

nuggets

Nugg Love 1 wDenver Nuggets: DFS Picks for the Season Opener against the Pelicans

More headlines around FanSided:

4w - Denver Nuggets Fantasy: Implications From Preseason Opener 4w - Emmanuel Mudiay: Analyzing the Art of Passing 7w - Denver Nuggets: Will Malik Beasley Sadly Only Get Insurance Minutes?8w - Top 5 Denver Nuggets with Any Fantasy Basketball Value 10w - Denver Nuggets: There Is No Hope for DeMarcus Cousins Coming to DENMore News at Nugg Love

These are all great players, but there has to be a point when you say, “Okay, no more from this guy.”

So who do the Nuggets need to worry about on the Pistons? More than likely it will be Tobias Harris trying to torch Denver

Harris, the 24-year-old out of Tennessee, is averaging 20.8 points per game. Those numbers aren’t nearly as scary as DeRozan’s were, but the Nuggets should pay attention to the Piston’s forward.

Mike Malone needs to make a gameplan to keep Tobias quiet on offense. Whether this is sending double teams or play him more physically than other teams have done.

Harris is not the only weapon on the Pistons, though. Marcus Morris could also be a problem for the Nuggets. Whoever is “on” this Saturday should receive more attention from the defense.

It’ll be interesting to see if the Nuggets can finally end the trend of one player lighting them up.

Oct 3, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Denver Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) and Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) battle for rebound during the second quarter at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Rebounding

The Nuggets are one of the best rebounding teams in the NBA. They are currently tied for first with Chicago at 52.3 rebounds per game!

A lot of the rebounding can be attributed to Jusuf Nurkic, who is averaging 10.3 rebounds per game. Nikola Nurkic is not far behind averaging 7.8 rebounds per game.

More from Nugg Love

There is no doubt that the rebounding has been a key to the Nuggets’ overall success. For example, the Nuggets out-rebounded the Timberwolves by nine last game.

Can you imagine how different games would look if the rebounding was even? That would essentially be nine more chances for the Timberwolves to score. In a game decided by three points, odds are that it wouldn’t be good.

The Pistons are also a great rebounding team. They are fifth in the league at 47.4 rebounds per game.

Andre Drummond, Detroit’s center, is a monster on the glass. He is considered one of the best rebounders in the game. This season he is averaging 13.6 rebounds per game.

The Nuggets should look to continue their rebounding and get physical down in the post. Let’s see if Nurkic, Jokic, and Kenneth Faried can steal some rebounds away from Drummond.

Oct 31, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) gestures to fans during a time out in a 105-102 loss to Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Jamal Murray

The struggle has been real.

Four games through the regular season and Murray has failed to hit a single field goal. The rookie is 0-16 with his only point coming from a free throw against the Pelicans.

It’s hardly that far into the season, so there is no reason to panic. Though, the Nuggets could really use his offense in these close games.

If anyone knows Murray from Kentucky, they know he could easily drop 20 points next game. Murray needs to find his rhythm and then he can be the shooter we all expect out of him. Inevitably, the 19-year-old will find the bottom of the basket, it is just a matter of time.

When Gary Harris and Will Barton are injured, the Nuggets need Murray to step up in their absence. Hopefully, once Murray gains some confidence the shots will start pouring in.

Next game, we will see if Murray can finally get that evasive first NBA basket. Mike Malone might also look to give Malik Beasley some minutes as well.

This article originally appeared on