The Denver Nuggets have faced their fair share of adversity this season, with injuries to key players like Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, and even Nikola Jokić. Yet, through it all, the Nuggets have kept their composure and are now reaping the benefits of their resilience.
With nine games left in the regular season, the Nuggets find themselves in a promising position. Despite Gordon and Peyton Watson sitting out against Dallas for injury management, the team boasts a clean injury report. They currently hold the No. 4 spot in the Western Conference, maintaining a slim lead over the Timberwolves and Rockets.
While the final standings are still up in the air, as noted by Brian Windhorst on his podcast, the Nuggets are hitting their stride at just the right moment. With seven of their remaining nine games at home, Denver has a golden opportunity to solidify their position.
The season wraps up with games against Oklahoma City and San Antonio, which might not carry much weight if the top seeds are already decided. This scenario puts Denver in a favorable position to secure that fourth seed, provided they stay healthy and focused.
The possibility of climbing to the third seed isn't off the table either, as the Nuggets trail the Lakers by just 1.5 games. However, LA's relatively easy schedule could pose a challenge. The Thunder and Spurs may have already secured their top spots by the time Denver faces them, making the Nuggets' end-of-season stretch less intimidating than it once appeared.
Looking at Denver's upcoming schedule, they face teams in tank mode and an injury-depleted Golden State, along with Portland, whom they recently defeated decisively. While none of these games are guaranteed victories, the Nuggets are in control of their fate. Securing the No. 3 or 4 seed is crucial for homecourt advantage, especially considering Denver's altitude advantage.
The season has had its bleak moments, but the Nuggets have weathered the storm and are in a position to make a strong playoff push. It's a thrilling time for Denver fans, as the team looks to capitalize on their hard-earned momentum.