The Matchup 2/22/11

The Denver Nuggets finally traded away its superstar Forward Carmelo Anthony along with former Finals MVP Chauncey Billups to the Knicks late last night in one of the biggest NBA blockbuster deals in recent memory. While New York obviously received more star power in this deal, the Nuggets might have improved themselves both for this season and beyond with the amount of young talent it got back in this trade. Denver acquired 4 of the Knicks top 6 players along with future draft choices for only two rotation players. This also leaves Denver open to rebuild with more depth from this new nucleus of young talent which includes PG Raymond Felton and Forwards Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari. It should also be interesting to see whether or not the Nuggets try to flip either Felton or Gallinari in exchange for more draft picks and players before Thursday's trade deadline, or keep them and try to stay in playoff position (currently 7th in the Western Conference).

NBA

Memphis @ Denver - SportSouth 9 p.m.
If the Nuggets drop out of a playoff spot, the Grizzlies could benefit. Memphis won four in a row and nine of 11 heading into the All-Star break to climb back into the playoff picture and sits just one game behind Denver for 7th place. Denver's roster will be depleted for this game as it will be forced to play without both the players they've traded away and received for this game as the trade is still being finalized. However, Memphis has struggled mightily in Denver, losing seven straight on the Nuggets' home floor, and only once in their past 25 tries.  The Grizz will also be without its second-leading scorer Rudy Gay, who is out for a month with a separated shoulder.

College Basketball

Tennessee @ Vanderbilt - ESPN 9 p.m.
The Vols are playing their third straight road game against a ranked team. They've dropped their last six such matchups since upsetting then-No. 1 Memphis on Feb. 23, 2008. Vanderbilt will look to avenge their loss earlier this season in Knoxville and add to their current 5-game winning streak.

 
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