2018 NBA Power Rankings: Should the Houston Rockets be the favorites in the West?

DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 24: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts after scoring against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 24, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 24: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts after scoring against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 24, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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18. Denver Nuggets (38-32)

It’s a shame what has happened to the Denver Nuggets over the last couple of weeks. In fairness, their schedule has been a bit difficult, but it’s about to get a lot more tougher. And that could spell bad news for this team’s playoff chances.

The Nuggets are one game back of the playoffs and are still very much in the thick of things, but their schedule could be the final dagger in their postseason chances.

Denver has the 8th toughest schedule remaining in the NBA. The good news, I suppose, is that teams like the LA Clippers, San Antonio Spurs and OKC Thunder – who are also fighting for their playoff lives – also have equally difficult or even more difficult schedules to close the season.