Preview: Knicks Look to Extend West Lead in Clash With Surging Nuggets DENVER (Interstat) — A pivotal Western Conference showdown is set for Friday night at Ball Arena as the Denver Nuggets host the New York Knicks, with both teams jockeying for playoff positioning in the final stretch of the NBA season. The Knicks (41-23), who own the league’s fourth-best record, arrive in Denver after a narrow 103-100 home loss to Oklahoma City on Wednesday. Despite the defeat, New York has won seven of its last 10 games. They currently hold a three-game lead over the Nuggets (38-24) in the overall standings, adding significant weight to this interconference matchup. All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns has been a force for New York, averaging a double-double over his last 10 games. He is coming off a 17-point, 17-rebound performance against the Thunder. His interior presence will be critical against Denver’s frontcourt. The Nuggets are riding high after a dramatic 128-125 road victory over Utah on Monday, fueled by a season-high 45 points from guard Jamal Murray. Murray has been on a scoring tear, averaging over 28 points in his last five full appearances. His backcourt duel with Knicks’ floor general Jalen Brunson, who dished 15 assists in the last outing, will be a key tactical battle. This game is a quick rematch of a Feb. 4 thriller in New York, which the Knicks won 134-127. Denver will be seeking home-court revenge. Despite playing on the road, the Knicks have been installed as slight 1.5-point favorites by FanDuel Sportsbook. The total over/under is set at 231 points. The contest kicks off a challenging three-game road trip for New York, which continues Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Denver, concluding a brief two-game homestand, heads to Oklahoma City on Monday for another crucial conference duel. Projected Starters: Knicks: G Jalen Brunson, G Donte DiVincenzo, F OG Anunoby, F Josh Hart, C Karl-Anthony Towns. Nuggets: G Jamal Murray, G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, F Michael Porter Jr., F Aaron Gordon, C Nikola Jokic. Friday’s tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. MST and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.