NBA Playoff Odds: Hornets vs. Nuggets

Clearly getting under the skin of the New Orleans Hornets is all part of the plan for the Denver Nuggets, who were determined to set an aggressive defensive tone for the series. (AP Images)"]

That approach served the Nuggets' Kenyon Martin and Nene well as Martin stymied David West and Nene kept Tyson Chandler in check. Also mixing it up in the lane was Chris Andersen, who blocked four shots in Game 1.

The Hornets weren't exactly thrilled with some of Denver's tactics, taking particular exception to the way Dahntay Jones was checking and pushing around Chris Paul.

It must of worked because Paul finished with 21 points on 7-of-19 shooting.

The 6-point favored Nuggets wouldn't mind seeing Carmelo Anthony bounce back after being limited to just 13 points. Then again he did not play much in the second half due to the blowout.

The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings between these clubs.