SAN ANTONIO — During the nightmarish month of February — Injuries! Tough opponents! Back-to-backs galore! — the Nuggets sought solace in the upcoming March homestand.
Well, it’s here — the Nuggets’ next nine games are at the Pepsi Center. And after tonight against the Kings, none of the games is in back-to-back situations.
Here’s the breakdown. This week the Nuggets have three winnable games — against the Kings, Cavaliers (Wednesday) and Hornets (Friday).
Then it gets a little tougher. Starting on Sunday, Denver plays every other day against teams above .500 — Memphis, Atlanta, Oklahoma City, Boston (on St. Patrick’s Day) and then defending NBA champion Dallas. The homestand is completed when sub-.500 Detroit comes to town.
If there was ever a time for Denver to make up ground in the airtight Western Conference, it would be in March. And Denver could revitalize its reputation as a tough home team. The Nuggets are 10-8 this season after losing eight games all last season at Pepsi Center.
Moreover, the Nuggets will need to capitalize on the schedule, because after the homestand comes seven consecutive games on the road.
Koufos update. Nuggets reserve center Kosta Koufos had scored nine, eight, eight and 10 points in the previous four games but is battling tendinitis in his knee and sat out Sunday at San Antonio. Denver coach George Karl spoke highly of Koufos’ impact off the bench.
“Last year, I thought he should have played — we picked him up in a stage of the season in which our veteran guys were still playing at a high level,” Karl said. “I just think his work ethic is first class. And his result has been getting consistently a little bit better. And on the court lately, he’s been solid. … And in the NBA, solid big men make a lot of money.”
This season, Koufos was given a three-year contract extension for a total of $9 million. He averages 5.5 points and 5.4 rebounds in 15.9 minutes.
