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Nuggets take on Timberwolves in home opener

Nov 3, 2006 - 2:53 PM Minnesota (1-0) at Denver (0-1) 9:00 pm EST

DENVER (Ticker) - The Denver Nuggets have had the upper hand over the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Pepsi Center of late.

In their home opener Friday, the Nuggets host the Timberwolves, who are beginning a four-game road trip.

Denver has come away victorious in four of the last five meetings here with Minnesota.

The Nuggets will have to shake off a 96-95 shortcoming to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday. They appeared to steal the game when offseason acquisition J.R. Smith forced Sam Cassell into a turnover and converted a two-handed slam for a 95-94 edge with 18 seconds left.

But Cassell redeemed himself by sinking two free throws on the other end before a jumper by Earl Boykins came up short prior to the buzzer.

Smith finished with 21 points and Marcus Camby added 16 and 18 rebounds for Denver, which squandered a 10-point lead in the final quarter. Superstar Carmelo Anthony was ejected in the third period after being called for an offensive foul, then tossing his headband in the direction of an official as he walked to the bench.

The Timberwolves are coming off a 92-83 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. Kevin Garnett collected 24 points and 12 rebounds and Troy Hudson added 15 points off the bench for Minnesota.

The Nuggets took three of the four meetings last season.