Denver Nuggets: Ranking potential first-round opponents

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 16: Head Coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the first half against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center on January 16, 2020 in San Francisco, California. 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. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

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Denver Nuggets (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /

Oklahoma City Thunder:

Denver’s matchup desirability: 2nd

Regular Season Record to date: 1-1

Projected Probability to win series: Denver 75/25

Nikola Jokic vs. team: 30.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 8.5 assists per game

Jamal Murray vs. team: 17.5 points, 5.5 assists per game

Biggest Problem Players: Chris Paul, Danilo Gallinari, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dennis Schroeder

The Oklahoma City Thunder are a strange story, as they blew up the squad last offseason, and were projected to occupy a spot near the Western Conference cellar. Nonetheless, they currently hold the fifth seed, due to a well-balanced revival of veterans and rise of young players.

light. Related Story. Nuggets: Strategy to defeat Bucks in Finals

Chris Paul (17.7 points, 6.8 assists per game) may have lost a step, but he’s shown plenty in the tank, harnessing the best versions of his teammates. Former Nugget Danilo Gallinari (19.2 points per game) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (19.3 ppg) have enjoyed monster seasons alongside Paul. Off the bench, Dennis Schroeder (19.0 ppg) could cause problems, as the Nuggets don’t possess comparable second-unit scoring.

What Denver does have, however, is far-and-away the best player in the series in Jokic. He torched the Thunder in two games, averaging 30.0 points per contest on an insane 79.3 percent shooting (23-of-29 from the field). Denver also has defenders capable of limiting the Thunder’s scorers, as Paul Millsap, Jerami Grant, Gary Harris and Torrey Craig should contain OKC’s collection of solid-but-not-superb attackers.

If Denver plays through Jokic offensively, while keeping the Thunder’s scorers in check on the stopping end, this is a very winnable series.

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