As of now, the Denver Nuggets hold the fifth position in the Western Conference with a record of 47-32.
With three games remaining, Denver is ahead of the seventh-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves by a two-game margin. The fourth-seeded Dallas Mavericks are currently tied with the Nuggets.
What are the odds of the Nuggets securing the eighth seed in the play-in tournament?
Denver has a good chance of securing one of the top four seeds in the Western Conference.
Could there be a more likely middle option?
Colorado NBA bettors and online sportsbooks in the state are asking these key questions.
Let’s dive right in.
Falling into the play – in game is the worst-case situation.
It is highly unlikely. Denver also determines its distinct path.
On the other hand, in the event that the Nuggets struggle in their remaining three regular season games, they still possess an opportunity to participate in the play-in tournament.
The Timberwolves have secured the eighth seed, granting them a position in the play-in tournament.
There are still three competitions remaining for them, all taking place in Minnesota. The T-wolves will be facing the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurers, and Washington Wizards.
The Spurs and Bulls are vying for a playoff spot, whereas the Wizards have no incentive to gain.
Finishing their stretch 3 — 0 might not be easy, but Minnesota has the potential to achieve it.
To surpass the Nuggets, the Timberwolves would have to lose two out of their next three matches, in addition to Minnesota winning.
The Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies, and Los Angeles Lakers are still playing in Denver before the usual period concludes.
Despite having all three of those games at home, the Nuggets have proven that they are not immune to making mistakes. They have little margin for error.
The Spurs are currently fighting to secure their spot in the play-in competition, while the second-seeded Grizzlies pose as a formidable opponent, regardless of the number of players taking a break.
The Denver & Lakers regular season finale seems to be the only game that appears highly likely to result in a victory. However, in the world of NBA, absolute certainty is never guaranteed.
It is highly unlikely for the Nuggets to be included in the play-in event, although it cannot be completely ruled out.
Denver must take these upcoming contests very seriously.
For the Spurs, Dejounte Murray is currently showcasing the peak performance of his professional sports career.
Despite not having Ja Morant or Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies managed to triumph over the Phoenix Suns, who held the top seed among all teams.
No matter the outcome, the final game of the season against the Lakers holds great significance.
Ideally, obtaining a top-four plant
Denver’s chances of reaching the third seed seem slim, mirroring the Nuggets’ descent into the play-in game.
They would need to surpass the Dallas Mavericks to secure home court advantage in the first round of the finals, but it is statistically possible.
The Mavericks currently hold a two-game advantage over the Nuggets (49 – 30) and also have the tiebreaker in their favor.
Consequently, the Nuggets need to surpass Dallas by one game and cover both expenses in order to compensate.
Furthermore, it pertains to the prospects of Denver & Dallas. The possibility of Denver clinching a top-four spot will diminish if Dallas triumphs in another game. Alternatively, if the Nuggets experience another defeat.
Simply put, the Nuggets need to win their last three games. In addition, Dallas must lose their last three games.
However, Dallas has three remaining events that are up for grabs.
The Pistons, currently ranking as the third-worst team in the league, will host the Mavs as they journey to Detroit.
Before returning home, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Spurs have two more games remaining.
Because of that and , it is highly unlikely for Denver to secure the fourth seed.
However, as previously stated, it is not yet statistically improbable.
Most good scenario: Coming in sixth place in the West
Surprisingly, the most realistic scenario that could lead the Nuggets to a lengthier playoff journey is potentially the most favorable situation.
As of Monday afternoon, the Nuggets hold a slight advantage over the Utah Jazz (46-32) with a half-game lead, positioning them at fifth place in the Western Conference.
Nevertheless, they both hold the same position at the top.
The Jazz secure the second seed by taking control of their own fate and possessing the tiebreaker.
If Utah manages to win their final four games, there is no action the Nuggets can take to stop the Jazz from catching up to them.
The Jazz have a greater likelihood of surpassing the Nuggets in the rankings.
If Denver ends up as the seventh seed, they will likely encounter the depleted Golden State Warriors in the first round of the quarterfinals.
By being positioned on the opposite side of the frame, the Nuggets would have the advantage of avoiding a matchup against top-seeded Phoenix. This strategic move presents the most efficient path for the Nuggets to advance through the Western Conference.
Dallas has a chance to surpass the Warriors and take hold of the third seed in the remaining games.
Nevertheless, it is still more logical for the Nuggets to challenge the Warriors or Mavericks in battle rather than the Suns & .
It seems improbable that the Nuggets will keep players to reach the fifth seed, but that doesn’t diminish its significance.
If Denver’s sole aim was to navigate through the playoffs, this would undoubtedly be their finest choice.
