Denver Nuggets: 3 players to watch in October

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 12: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket and shoots the ball against the Chicago Bulls during a pre-season game on October 12, 2018 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 12: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket and shoots the ball against the Chicago Bulls during a pre-season game on October 12, 2018 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
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(Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
(Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets kick off their 2018-19 season Wednesday against the Los Angeles Clippers. Here are Denver’s three players to watch in October.

In the highest-anticipated season since the George Karl era, the Denver Nuggets have one goal in mind: playoffs, baby. No more excuses, late-game collapses or flops against weaker teams. The Nuggets are ready to snap their five-year postseason drought.

Denver’s offense will need to be exceptional. Nikola Jokic, Gary Harris and  Jamal Murray bring reason for optimism. Add Isaiah Thomas and Will Barton to the mix, and things are cooking.

The defense must prove itself passable. A full year of Paul Millsap should pay dividends. Harris can help here also.

Life may look promising for the Nuggets, but the Western Conference has also improved. There are 11 or 12 squads who believe themselves playoff-worthy. Obviously, somebody is wrong.

Denver has a relatively easy schedule in October. Of the seven opponents, only two made the postseason in 2017-18. Is a 6-1 month possible?

The Nuggets approach October licking their chops. Fans are getting excited. Who cares if the Denver Broncos can’t win a game? It’s NBA season now. Check out three players to watch in the Nuggets’ opening month.