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Nuggets: Predicting How The Final 10 Games Will Play Out

By Kyle Standfield

Mar 24, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) reacts to a game sealing 3 point basket in the second half of the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Denver Nuggets beat the Indiana Pacers 125-117. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) reacts to a game sealing 3 point basket in the second half of the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Denver Nuggets beat the Indiana Pacers 125-117. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) is fouled by New Orleans Pelicans center Alexis Ajinca (42) in the first quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) is fouled by New Orleans Pelicans center Alexis Ajinca (42) in the first quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

April 7 vs Pelicans

The Pelicans, again? Yes, the Nuggets play New Orleans three times in the final 10 games of the season. How the Nuggets match up against the Pelicans will be a major factor as to whether or not the Nuggets make the post season. Is three straight wins over New Orleans being too optimistic? Am I selling the Pelicans too short? Well, I know how good Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins are. Both players have manhandled the Nuggets in the past. But I feel it comes down to the wing situation and fact that Denver will be desperate to win these games. So yes, Denver get all three against the Pelicans.

Result: Win

April 9 vs Thunder

When Kevin Durant left the Thunder to join Golden State many Nuggets fans thought that the days of OKC dominating against the Nuggets may be over. Nope. Russell Westbrook has feasted on the Nuggets for years now and Denver simply hasn’t figured out a way to stop him. He posted a triple-double in a close OKC win earlier this season and looms as a large threat to Denver down the stretch, as the Nuggets play the Thunder twice. Many teams struggle to stop Westbrook, hence why he averages a triple-double. The key to beating OKC is to limit his teammates’ influence. Let Russ beat you on his own. Still, I think the Nuggets lose a heartbreaker in this one.

Result: Loss

April 11 @ Dallas

Dallas have had an interesting year. They started poorly but have improved vastly as the season has progressed. A large part of that is to do with health, as the Mavs had a plethora of injuries to deal with in the opening few months. Another aspect of that is the coaching ability of Rick Carlisle and the genius pick up of Yogi Ferrell. By this point, the Nuggets will know the exact scenario they need to make the playoffs. The Mavs will be looking to finish the season on a strong note but Denver aren’t dropping this one.

Result: Win

April 12 @ OKC

The Nuggets take on the Thunder in OKC on a road back-to-back to close out the regular season. Russell Westbrook may be chasing history as the amount of triple-double’s he records continue to rack up and the Thunder may also find themselves in hot pursuit of a top four seed in the West. Unfortunately, Denver suffer a loss in their last game, having played a tough Mavericks squad the night prior.

Result: Loss

So, there it is. I have the Nuggets going 6-4 over the last 10 games of the season. You can certainly argue some of my predictions. For example, the Nuggets may easily drop one or more games to the Pelicans, or lose to the Blazers up in Portland. They may also win down in Miami and finally pick up a win over OKC. Whichever way you see it going down, 6-4 seems to be in line with how Denver have been playing as of late.

The Nuggets have a tough schedule to finish the season with just three home games remaining and a multitude of contests against playoff bound teams. However, I have faith in Nikola Jokic and company. They can do it.

Let’s go, Mile High Basketball!

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