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Nuggets, Nets chasing playoff berths

Mar 21, 2008 - 2:09 PM Denver (40-28) at New Jersey (29-39) 7:30 pm EDT

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) - The Denver Nuggets and New Jersey Nets have vastly different records, but are in similar positions when it comes to the playoffs.

The contest on Friday is crucial to both teams.

The Nuggets trail eighth-place Golden State by 2 1/2 games in the Western Conference and the Nets are tied with Atlanta for eighth in the East.

"These last games, there are no excuses," New Jersey forward Richard Jefferson said. "We need everybody mentally focused and ready."

Denver has lost five straight on the road, allowing an average of 118.6 points. The game will be the third of a five-game road trip for the Nuggets, who defeated the Nets, 100-85, in the teams' previous meeting on January 25.

New Jersey has won three of four games. The Nets have won three straight and nine of their last 12 games at home.

Denver is coming off a 115-113 loss on Wednesday in Allen Iverson's first return to Philadelphia as a member of the Nuggets. The Nets used 39 points and 10 rebounds from Vince Carter in a 125-117 win over the Hawks on Wednesday.