<div align="center"><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%"> @ </span> Venue: US Airways Center, Phoenix, AZ National TV: NBATVHighDefTime: 09:00 pm ESTDate: Saturday, 25 March 2006 ---</div><span style="color:royalblue"><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%">Denver Nuggets (40-30)</span></span>Projected starters<span style="color:royalblue">PG: Andre MillerSG: Ruben PattersonSF: Carmelo AnthonyPF: Kenyon MartinC: Marcus Camby</span>Sixth man: <span style="color:royalblue">Reggie Evans</span>Coach: <span style="color:royalblue">George Karl</span>---<span style="colorurple"><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%">Phoenix Suns (46-21)</span></span>Projected starters<span style="colorurple">PG: Steve NashSG: Raja Bell SF: Shawn MarionPF: Amare StoudemireC: Boris Diaw</span>Sixth man: <span style="colorurple">Leandro Barbosa</span>Coach: <span style="colorurple">Mike D'Antoni</span>---Nuggets' previous game (vs. Sonics)In the first half, we couldn't really get going offensively with Melo the only one hitting his shots. But Evans came off the bench to energize us and give that much-needed boost. He had 16 pts and 6 rbds at the break to keep us in the game. He finished with a career high 22 pts and 9 rebounds against his old team. Melo struggled a little in the second half but that's when we were pulling away and by fourth quarter most of our starters were on the bench, resting and preparing for the next game, which is tonight at Phoenix. Little used DerMarr Johnson took advantage and led our bench effort in the final quarter with 13 pts in the quarter including 3 3-pointers. Miller again directed our offense to the crisp with 15 assists. vs. SunsThis is the fourth and final regular season meeting between the two teams. They won two of the three games, and here's the scary part: without Amare Stoudemire. Now that he's back (20 pts, 9 rbds in 19 mins vs. Portland) our hands are going to be full trying to contain these guys. Led by the reigning MVP Steve Nash, their offense is often run to perfection with guys who can shoot from behind the three pt line and finish with flourish. While the addition of Amare instantly makes them better from previous three meetings we had against them, we also have improved our lineup talent and chemistry-wise. With the help of Ruben Patterson and Reggie Evans, we can fight for loose balls with the best, gain those extra possessions that we should get, and put in some easy buckets. With them in the rotation we feel like our roster is pretty deep and now we have multi-dimensions in our system (offense, defense, toughness)... we shall not be overlooked. Remember, this could be the preview of a second-round matchup, IF the seeding stays the same, that is. With both teams supposedly at full strength as the playoffs approaches, this is a great game to watch because both sides definitely want to send an early message. Phoenix definitely has a lot of offense facilitators, that's guys who can make plays for themselves or others on a possession. Watch out for Diaw at C, I think he will have Camby's hands full with his playmaking ability and inside-out game. But a 65% K-Mart covering a 75% Amare? Oh man... <span style="font-size:24pt;line-height:100%"><span style="color:red">+</span></span> Nene out for the year... Boykins out indefinitely with fractured left hand... K-Mart, Najera probable. Closing comments and predictionsWe're on a good roll, winning 3 straight and 9 of our last 11 games. The Suns had lost two straight before beating the Blazers two nights ago. But I think this will be a brand new game and the best team will win it. I do think Denver can win it, 115-111.
