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For more on the Indiana Pacers, check out Indy Cornrows.
As losing streaks go, two in a row isn't that bad, but the Indiana Pacers (17-9) will look to stop that trend on Saturday night when they host the Denver Nuggets (15-12) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
The Pacers dropped their second game in a row last night for the first time all season, losing to the Memphis Grizzlies. The Pacers fell victim to turnovers and poor free throw shooting and then a lack of execution in key possessions at winning time. The loss was also the third in four games for the Pacers, so they need to find the winning edge that has helped them get off to a strong start this season.
The Nuggets are struggling as well, losers of five in a row and seven of their last eight games. Denver has been unable to cope with injuries that has had key players in and out of the lineup. Just as Arron Afflalo and Nene Hilario returned to the court, Denver lost leading scorer Danilo Gallinari to a foot injury. The Nuggets will also be without versatile forward Corey Brewer due to the death of his father.
The Pacers need to take advantage of the short-handed Nuggets and return to their winning ways with the Miami Heat next on the schedule next Tuesday.
For more on the Indiana Pacers, check out Indy Cornrows. You can also head over to SB Nation's main NBA hub at SBNation.com/NBA.
Nuggets Vs. Pacers Final Score: Indiana Drops Third Straight, Loses To Denver 113-109
The Indiana Pacers returned home Saturday night hoping to end their first two-game losing streak of the season against the Denver Nuggets (as three-point favorites), but were sloppy in the middle two quarters and ultimately fell 113-109.
Minus George Hill again, the Pacers jumped out to a 34-26 lead after a quarter and led by as many as 13 points, but Denver outscored Indiana 61-49 in the second and third quarters. The Pacers played better in the fourth and pulled within two points and had the ball with less than a minute remaining, but David West turned it over and the Pacers were forced to send the Nuggets to the free throw line.
Despite shooting 53-percent, the Pacers turned it over 20 times and were outrebounded by the Nuggets, who shot 49-percent and got 11 more attempts at the charity stripe.
Danny Granger led all scorers with 26 points. Ty Lawson and Aaron Afflalo combined for 50 points for the Nuggets.
If Indiana is going to end their current three-game skid, they will have to beat the Heat on Tuesday.
For more on the Indiana Pacers, check out SB Nation's Indiana Pacers blog Indy Cornrows. For all your news and analysis on the NBA, SB Nation's main NBA hub at SBNation.com/NBA will have you covered.
Feb 11 9:49p by Brian Packey