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Struggling Nuggets play host to Grizzlies

Jan 3, 2014 - 3:58 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Denver Nuggets will try to halt an eight-game losing streak Friday night when they welcome the Memphis Grizzlies to the Pepsi Center.

Denver hasn't won since a home victory Dec. 15 over the New Orleans Pelicans. Since, the Nuggets have dropped five straight at home and have surrendered an average of 105.6 points per game.

This represents the longest Nuggets losing streak since the 2002-03 season.

"It's tough. I've never lost like this ever in my life, even from pee wee basketball, so it's tough," said guard Ty Lawson. "It's hard to get out of the rut; I don't know how to get out of it right now."

The Nuggets fell at home to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, 114-102. The Sixers scored 44 points in the second quarter and hung on from there as seven different Sixers scored in double figures.

"I feel like we have reached rock bottom," J.J. Hickson said. "We've lost to some pretty bad teams."

Hickson led the way with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Lawson had 15 points and 11 assists and Wilson Chandler (16), Randy Foye (14) and Kenneth Faried (12) all scored in double digits.

Andre Miller was suspended for two games for conduct detrimental to the team by head coach Brian Shaw after the two had a blowup on Wednesday in a loss against the 76ers. Miller's suspension begins on Friday.

The Grizzlies have won two of three and four of their last six thanks to a 99-91 road victory Thursday over the Phoenix Suns.

Zach Randolph led six Grizzlies in double figures with 20 points and 15 rebounds.

The Grizzlies got a major boost from their reserves, with Jerryd Bayless scoring 17 points and Ed Davis totaling 16 points with 11 boards off the bench. Mike Miller also started the game on the pine and contributed 11 points, seven boards and four assists, while starters Mike Conley and Kosta Koufos added 11 and 10 points, respectively.

"We've played up and down," said Bayless. "Just getting the win in general is something I'm excited about. We've got to continue this pattern."

Memphis may actually get some good news soon as Marc Gasol is inching closer to a return. He has been out of the lineup since November with a severely sprained MCL.

Memphis defeated the Nuggets during this losing streak on Saturday, but Denver has won three of the last five meetings. The Nuggets have won 27 of their last 29 against the Grizz in the Mile High City.