[ad_1]
The reigning champion Denver Nuggets have climbed into the pole place within the Western Convention and whereas they solely lead by a half sport, it seems like each different NBA group ought to be apprehensive.
Denver spent a lot of the previous few months chasing the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, however neither felt like they’d maintain off the Nuggets. Denver (51-21) is clearly essentially the most full group of the three and is perhaps essentially the most full group within the NBA — sure, even with Boston on the cusp of successful 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 gained 9, together with the previous 4 heading into Wednesday’s evening house sport in opposition to the Phoenix Suns. Murray and Gordon are listed as questionable for the sport in opposition to the Suns.
“We’re taking part in the proper method, irrespective of who’s on the court docket,” Denver guard Christian Braun stated after Monday’s win over Memphis.
As deep because the West is perhaps, it’s tough to discover a group 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 seem like 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 method as final 12 months’s Western Convention Finals, gained by Denver in 4 video games. The Lakers have performed significantly better lately, successful seven of its previous 10 forward of Wednesday’s sport in opposition to Memphis, however LeBron James can not carry groups as he has previously.
The Sacramento Kings (42-30) are seventh within the West, however there’s a superb likelihood it may slip within the play-in match and wind up in eighth. If that occurs, it may very well be an honest collection between the Kings and Nuggets, nevertheless it’s onerous 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). Other than Stephen Curry, nonetheless, the Warriors do not have a lot left within the tank, having misplaced six of their previous 10.
Regardless of how issues shake out within the West, if the Nuggets end with the No. 1 seed once more, we may very well be trying at the beginning 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 group to beat.
[ad_2]
Source link
