2018-19 NBA season: Record predictions for every team

Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets seem ready to break into the playoff picture this season. Nikola Jokic is becoming a more aggressive scorer and Jamal Murray enters the season as a potential Most Improved Player candidate. Mike Malone’s offense will be humming early and often.

With dynamic playmakers and elite shooters, the Nuggets will finish with a top-5 offense. Their ability to steamroll teams on that end will lead to wins, even if the defense is playing catch-up. Jokic is a top-20 NBA player at his best, while Paul Millsap, Gary Harris and Murray all crack the top-50 range.

Last season, Millsap only suited up for 38 games. Assuming he stays healthy, his presence will significantly boost the Nuggets’ postseason chances. He’s an underrated playmaker and defender at the 4 spot, while his shooting makes him a perfect fit next to Jokic in the frontcourt.

Harris and Murray have both mastered their roles as secondary playmakers next to Jokic. They can create off the bounce and run the pick-and-roll, but it’s their off-ball cutting and knockdown shooting that makes the Nuggets’ offense tick.

Fresh off a new extension, Will Barton is also in line for a strong campaign. He’s an undersized defender at the 3, but the Nuggets aren’t prioritizing defense in the starting unit. He’s there for his scoring.

The Denver bench will also take a step forward with Isaiah Thomas joining the mix. His defensive shortcomings are well-known, but the offensive punch he provides in 25+ minutes per game — when healthy — makes up for that.

Final prediction: 47-35, No. 7 seed Western Conference