Clippers square off with red-hot Nuggets

(Basketball News) - The scorching Denver Nuggets try to extend their season- high winning streak to eight games tonight when they host the Los Angeles Clippers tonight at the Pepsi Center.

The teams play the first of a home-and-home set this evening. The Clippers will host the Nuggets on Saturday at the Staples Center.

This is the second meeting of the season between the clubs. On November 25th, Carmelo Anthony scored 35 points on 11-of-17 shooting to lead the Nuggets over the Clippers, 105-95, at the Pepsi Center.

The Nuggets have won three straight and four of the last five meetings in this series. The Clippers have lost two straight and three of their last four at Denver.

Anthony poured in a game-high 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds as the Nuggets slipped past the Portland Trail Blazers, 97-94, on Wednesday at the Rose Garden.

Andre Miller and Kenyon Martin each chipped in 21 points in the win over Portland for the Nuggets, who have won nine of their last 10 games overall. Miller also dished out seven assists and Martin pulled down seven rebounds in the victory.

On the injury front, Denver center Marcus Camby (finger) is probable for tonight’s contest. He has missed 15 straight games and is averaging 16.3 points and a team-best 12.9 rebounds.

Denver is 15-8 as the host this season. The Nuggets have won four in a row at the Pepsi Center.

The Clippers enter tonight’s contest on a three-game winning streak. Cuttino Mobley finished with 15 points, a career-high 13 rebounds and seven assists as the Clippers beat the New Jersey Nets, 90-77, on Wednesday at the Staples Center.

Elton Brand netted 19, while guard Sam Cassell and center Chris Kaman each scored 17 points in the win over New Jersey for the Clippers, who have won six of their last eight games overall. Kaman also pulled down nine rebounds in the victory.

LA is 8-9 as the visitor this season. It has won three of its last four away from home.