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The reigning champion Denver Nuggets have climbed into the pole place within the Western Convention and whereas they solely lead by a half recreation, it looks like each different NBA staff must be apprehensive.
Denver spent many of the previous few months chasing the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, however neither felt like they might maintain off the Nuggets. Denver (51-21) is clearly probably the most full staff of the three and may be probably the most full staff within the NBA — sure, even with Boston on the cusp of profitable 60 video games within the Jap Convention.
For the Nuggets, it comes right down to being wholesome when the playoffs start on April 20.
Regardless of accidents to key gamers Jamal Murray (ankle) and Aaron Gordon (proper foot), the Nuggets proceed discovering methods to win. Over their final 10 video games, they’ve received 9, together with the previous 4 heading into Wednesday’s evening dwelling recreation towards the Phoenix Suns. Murray and Gordon are listed as questionable for the sport towards the Suns.
“We’re enjoying the correct manner, regardless of who’s on the courtroom,” Denver guard Christian Braun stated after Monday’s win over Memphis.
As deep because the West may be, it’s troublesome to discover a staff that matches up with Denver in a seven-game format.
Of the outfits the Nuggets may play within the first spherical, ought to they end atop the convention, the Suns appear to be the strongest opposition. However eighth-place Phoenix (42-30) has flaws, particularly the drop-off in expertise after Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
Ought to the Los Angeles Lakers wrangle the No. 8 seed, that matchup is more likely to finish the identical manner as final yr’s Western Convention Finals, received by Denver in 4 video games. The Lakers have performed significantly better not too long ago, profitable seven of its previous 10 forward of Wednesday’s recreation towards Memphis, however LeBron James can not carry groups as he has prior to now.
The Sacramento Kings (42-30) are seventh within the West, however there’s a great probability it may slip within the play-in event and wind up in eighth. If that occurs, it might be a good sequence between the Kings and Nuggets, but it surely’s arduous to see Sacramento pulling off the upset.
Then there are the Golden State Warriors (37-34) – if they will maintain off the Houston Rockets (36-35). Except for Stephen Curry, nevertheless, the Warriors haven’t got a lot left within the tank, having misplaced six of their previous 10.
Irrespective of how issues shake out within the West, if the Nuggets end with the No. 1 seed once more, we might be wanting firstly of the Affiliation’s subsequent dynasty. Even when that isn’t the case, the percentages of Denver not making it again to the convention finals are slim. (Per FanDuel, the Nuggets are a heavy favourite.)
With MVP co-favorite Nikola Jokic directing site visitors, the Nuggets are undoubtedly the staff to beat.
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