Denver @ Memphis preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 28, 2019 ) Memphis 110, Denver 119

The Memphis Grizzlies will try to continue their solid play when they host the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday. Memphis is seeking its 10th victory in the past 12 games when it faces a Denver squad that won eight of its last 11 contests.

The Grizzlies committed a season-worst 26 turnovers on Sunday but prevailed 114-109 over the visiting Phoenix Suns not long after hearing the news that NBA legend Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash. "You find a way to go out there and put your best effort out there and thank God, we got a win," Memphis power forward Jaren Jackson Jr. said afterward. "Despite the circumstances, I'm glad we came together as a team and got the job done." The Nuggets posted a crucial 117-110 home triumph over the Houston Rockets on Sunday and coach Michael Malone was happy with the results. "It's a huge win, the one thing we talked about is playoff implications are on the line," Malone told reporters. "We do not want to lose the season series (versus Houston). To end the season series 2-2 is great."

TIME: 8 p.m. ET. TV: Altitude, FS Southeast

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (32-14): Star center Nikola Jokic recorded 24 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists for his ninth triple-double of the season and 37th of his career in the win over Houston. Jokic has posted six consecutive double-doubles and eight in the past nine games and he is averaging 23.6 points and 10.5 rebounds in January. Denver continues to shine despite the absences of point guard Jamal Murray (ankle) and power forward Paul Millsap (knee), with Murray expected to miss his seventh straight game and Millsap set to sit out his 11th consecutive contest.

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (22-24): Rookie point guard Ja Morant led the way in the victory over the Suns by scoring 14 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter. Shooting guard Dillon Brooks continues to be a lucky charm for Memphis as he scored 20 points and the club is 15-1 when he reaches that output. Jackson also had 20 points and he has hit the mark a team-best 20 times, including the past two games in which he averaged 24.5 points on 17-of-26 shooting.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Nuggets are 2-0 against the Grizzlies this season and won the past four meetings.

2. Denver PF Jerami Grant scored a season-best 25 against the Rockets and is averaging 18.2 points over the past five games.

3. Memphis SF Jae Crowder (knee) sat out against the Suns.

PREDICTION: Grizzlies 110, Nuggets 107