Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets finished second in the West despite a rash of injuries last season. If Denver can avoid such injuries in 2019-20, there’s a real opportunity to snag home-court advantage in a cutthroat playoff race.
Denver has something other top Western Conference teams don’t: continuity. It’s virtually the same team as last season, save for a few minor upgrades. Nikola Jokic is an offensive hub like no other, and the surrounding roster fits hand-in-glove under his watchful playmaking eye.
Jamal Murray will look to back up a $170 million extension as Jokic’s main partner in crime, a dynamic 3-point shooter and off-ball cutter who continues to diversify his approach. Gary Harris, after a slow, injury-riddled 2018-19 season, should return to form. Paul Millsap is a sneaky great defender.
The Nuggets’ continuity is special because of their depth. The bench has the perfect mix of efficient scorers, plus defenders, and upside. Michael Porter Jr. continues to earn praise as his NBA debut nears. Will Barton, Malik Beasley, Monte Morris and Jerami Grant are all long-term pieces.
Denver has the weapons to grind out an 82-game season amidst heavy injuries. If those injuries subside, Denver has the depth to outlast just about any roster in the NBA, as well as the star power to overwhelm them. The Nuggets are fun to watch for a reason — the offense stands as one of the league’s best.
Jokic has fringe MVP potential as a top-10 player on a legitimate contender. In a season centered on L.A.’s budding rivalry, it’s only right for Denver to fly under the radar to a No. 1 seed. The West is far from a two-horse race, and the Nuggets deserve credit as a legitimate threat.
Final prediction: 58-24, No. 1 seed Western Conference