After an intense six-game winning streak, the Denver Nuggets have found renewed confidence, thanks in large part to Nikola Jokic, who currently holds the title of NBA MVP.
Even with numerous injuries, Denver has managed to win two out of its last four games after a six-game losing streak. Jokic’s exceptional skills contribute to the team’s success, and the Nuggets show resilience by playing solid defense when it counts. Although their defensive rating has fallen to 108.4, ranking them 15th in the league, their progress is sufficient to secure victories despite occasional inconsistency.
However, it is important to note that the success of the team greatly relies on Jokic, whose MVP credentials continue to shine with every game. For those interested in placing bets on the Nuggets, considering Jokic’s odds for MVP would be a wise starting point.
Nikola Jokic & ’s path to reclaiming NBA MVP honors
Despite having a record of 11-12 after 23 matches and missing key players Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., Jokic has shown significant improvement since winning the MVP last year. He is averaging an impressive 25.6 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in just 32.5 minutes per game. Notably, he continues to excel both individually and as a team player.
Due to the decline in skill surrounding him, his assists have decreased, and his rating is slightly below his previous year’s points per game. However, his defensive abilities are on a whole different level. Regardless of the camera being 30 feet away from the box, Jokic has consistently displayed an aggressive style of play, always keeping up with the pace of the game. Currently, he excels in his position and frequently disrupts opponents. He has successfully adjusted his strategy to handle smaller and quicker guards or wings, effectively preventing them from holding onto the ball for too long. Jokic has mastered the technique of pressuring game managers, forcing them to make quick decisions.
Jokic’s performance after 23 games is unprecedented in NBA history, as no player has ever achieved the same rating line. If he can maintain his exceptional production and guide the Nuggets to home court advantage, despite the absence of Murray or Porter, he has a strong chance of becoming the 13th consecutive player to win the MVP title.
At present, Jokic holds the 4th highest odds to secure the MVP title this season. He ranks behind Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The performances of these three players have been remarkable this year, however, it would be quite challenging to find a more promising wager than Jokic at +1,500 odds to claim the MVP award.
Who has stepped forward with the injured Nuggets & roster?
According to numerous reports, it is highly probable that Murray and Porter will not be available for the rest of the season, and Dozier will definitely be absent. Additionally, the Nuggets are currently without Austin, Bones Hyland, and Bol Bol Rivers due to COVID-19 protocols. With so many key players sidelined, who has risen to the occasion and filled their positions?
In Porter’s absence, Aaron Gordon has stepped up immensely. In the last eight games, he has been averaging 15.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, boosting his 3-point shooting percentage to 38.5%. Gordon’s newfound aggressive approach to attacking the rim has made the team’s overall performance smoother. If Denver aims to secure a top-four spot in the Western Conference, they will heavily rely on Gordon’s contributions for the rest of the season. The Nuggets now have a strong chance of dominating the West.
After leaving the bench, Zeke Nnaji has shown tremendous improvement as a valuable player for the Nuggets. His recent performance against the New York Knicks, where he has been consistently involved in the past six games, perfectly showcases his potential impact. During the game at Madison Square Garden, Nnaji achieved three career highs in minutes played (33.7), points scored (21), and 3-pointers made (5), while also grabbing eight rebounds and making two saves. Nnaji confidently made every available 3-pointer, effectively collapsing the defense with his rolls to the rim, and displayed versatility by supporting various positions and securing rebounds. He flawlessly fulfilled his role on the team due to his complete understanding of it. It is certain that we will be seeing a lot more of Nnaji in the future.
Spurs vs. Nuggets
In their next encounter, the San Antonio Spurs faced off against the Nuggets in Denver, where Keldon Johnson nearly led his team to victory by a slim margin. During this game, PJ Dozier and Michael Porter Jr. were still part of the Nuggets’ lineup. The Spurs now have a chance to make amends for their previous loss, while the Nuggets have the opportunity to exploit their two-game schedule against the middling Spurs on Thursday and Saturday nights.
There is every reason to anticipate the same dominant performance from the league’s current MVP, Jokic. In the previous game, he effortlessly outplayed Jakob Poeltl, recording impressive stats of 32 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals. When Jokic faces a slower-paced big man, it is crucial to consider betting on his exceptional skills and abilities. This principle holds true for the upcoming games against San Antonio as well.
The presence of a price will vary based on the predetermined value. In the past five games against the Spurs, the Nuggets have maintained an average score of 114 points per game and exceeded the expected total in four of those matches. Due to their slower pace and inconsistent offensive performance, the Nuggets’ over/under lines have been lower than anticipated, potentially presenting advantageous opportunities for bettors.
