Nuggets have a tough road ahead of them

Even with All-Stars Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson leading the way, if the Nuggets hang on and qualify for the playoffs, they are most likely headed for a first-round matchup with the Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs or Dallas Mavericks.

Denver is scheduled to play eight of its final 13 games on the road. The Nuggets will visit Phoenix, Seattle, the Lakers, Clippers, Utah, New Orleans/Oklahoma City, Memphis and San Antonio.

The Nuggets will host the SuperSonics, Sacramento, Dallas, Lakers and the Timberwolves in their final home games.

Denver tries to bounce back from a tough loss, as it welcomes the SuperSonics on Wednesday to the Pepsi Center. It is the third of four meetings between the squads this season. Denver won the two previous contests and has won four of the last five meetings in the series.

Seattle has lost two straight and four of the last six contests at Denver.

The SuperSonics will host the Nuggets on Sunday at KeyArena.

Denver returns home after going 2-3 on a five-game road trip. On Monday, Rasheed Wallace hit a shot from three-quarters the length of the court to force overtime, and made a few crucial shots in the extra session to lead the Detroit Pistons to a 113-109 win over the Nuggets at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Marcus Camby scored 24 points and pulled down 13 boards in the loss for the Nuggets, who have dropped three of their last four games overall. Nene finished with 21 points and 17 boards, while J.R. Smith netted 21 in defeat.

Neither Iverson or Anthony played well for Denver against the Pistons. Iverson finished with 16 points, while Anthony was 6-of-19 from the floor for just 13 points.

The Nuggets are 19-17 at home this season. After tonight’s contest, they will embark on a tough three-game road trip. Denver is scheduled to visit Phoenix, Seattle and the Lakers on the upcoming swing.