4. Denver Nuggets (43-22)
In the Western Conference, if there’s one team that could potentially rob us from an all-Los Angeles Western Conference Finals, it might be the Denver Nuggets. Perhaps the biggest x-factor for the Nuggets heading into the restart: Skinny Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets are one of the deepest teams in the conference and one of the best-coached ones too.
With that said, perhaps the biggest unknown for the Nuggets is how Jokic will look in his new body. You’d assume that losing weight would do Jokic good. But that’s no guarantee. The hope is that it will improve his game, but until we see him on the floor and against live competition, there’s really no way in knowing.
The Nuggets are a top 12 team in both offense and defense and have the stars to really make a difference in the playoffs. Jamal Murray has proven to be a prime-time player and Paul Millsap has been a good veteran presence for the team.
Will the Nuggets play spoiler in the West?