Michael Malone’s tenure as Denver Nuggets head coach spans 242 games. None appear bigger, though, than what awaits his team Thursday night at the Pepsi Center. Minnesota beat Denver in each of their two previous meetings this season, 128-125 (OT) and 112-104, and now the Nuggets must return the favor to help secure their first playoff berth in half-a-decade. “It’s going to be the biggest game of the season for us,” forward Wilson Chandler said. Denver’s 107-104 victory against the Pacers on Tuesday, its third-consecutive win, momentarily put the Nuggets (43-35) a half-game behind New Orleans (43-34) for the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot.