Denver Nuggets: Predicting their November record
By James Siegle
Predicted record this month: 11-4
Nov. 1 @ Cleveland Cavilers
Prediction: Win
Cleveland is off to a rough start without Kevin Love, or any real identity. They recently fired coach Tyronn Lue. The Nuggets should defeat this confused, down-on-its-luck squad.
Nov. 3 vs. Utah Jazz
Prediction: Win
This will be a dogfight against a gritty Utah squad. The home team will likely come out on top, especially when factoring each team’s play of late.
Nov. 5 vs. Boston Celtics
Prediction: Loss
Although Denver’s defense has been stellar, Kyrie Irving and others will cause trouble. The Nuggets will fall in a tight game at home.
Nov. 7 @ Memphis Grizzlies
Prediction: Win
Marc Gasol will make life difficult for Jokic. However, the Nuggets’ backcourt will prove too much for the Grizzlies. Expect a battle that has Denver finishing on top.
Nov. 9 vs. Brooklyn Nets
Prediction: Win
The Nuggets should easily handle this weaker squad at the Pepsi Center. Beware though: This is the definition of a “trap game.”
Nov. 11 vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Prediction: Win
The Bucks are good, but so is Denver. Expect the Nuggets to come ready to play, and win a thriller against Milwaukee. Offensive execution will be very important against an improved Bucks defense.
Nov. 13 vs. Houston Rockets
Prediction: Loss
Denver finished 0-3 against the Rockets in 2017-18, losing two games by more than 25 points. The Nuggets should hang closer this time, but Houston is a kryptonite opponent.
Nov. 15 vs. Atlanta Hawks
Prediction: Win
This is a weaker opponent on Denver’s home court. The Nuggets should dispense of Atlanta to cap a 3-1 homestand. Again, beware of the trap game.
Nov. 17 @ New Orleans Pelicans
Prediction: Loss
It’s hard to see Denver knocking off the Pelicans in New Orleans. Anthony Davis should be healthy, and this can be a difficult matchup for Jokic.
Nov. 19 @ Milwaukee Bucks
Prediction: Loss
Yikes! Back-to-back road games against tricky opponents. Denver could play the Bucks tough, but will likely fall in Milwaukee.
Nov. 21 @ Minnesota Timberwolves
Prediction: Win
The Nuggets’ last game in Minneapolis resulted in a heartbreaking overtime loss. Since then, Denver has improved, while the T-Wolves’ chemistry continues to plummet. Revenge game, baby!
Nov. 23 vs. Orlando Magic
Prediction: Win
The Nuggets should pull off the win, overcoming a strong Orlando frontcourt of Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon. Consider this Jokic’s chance to dominate the lesser Nikola.
Nov. 24 @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Prediction: Win
Russell Westbrook hates the Nuggets, who in turn dislike Russ just as much. Gary Harris will have his defensive work cut out for him, but Denver should prevail against an odd, struggling Thunder team.
Nov. 27 vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Prediction: Win
LeBron James and the Lakers are struggling in a major way. The Nuggets dropped a dud in Los Angeles last week. Here’s a chance to avenge the loss in this exciting home matchup.
Nov. 30 @ Portland Trail Blazers
Prediction: Win
Playing trick-or-treat with each NBA team's early season trend. dark. Next
It’s always a delight facing trash-talker extraordinaire Jusuf Nurkic. Nurk, Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum make a nice trio. However, Denver is deeper and better-balanced.