RealGM

Behind LA, SA, and POR.

The Nuggets won't sneak up on anyone this year, and perhaps they won't need to. With largely the same roster as they had in May, Denver is counting on good health and the further development of Carmelo Anthony to stay among the West's best. If these predictions hold, they might get a playoff rematch with the Lakers.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/stor ... tStandings

looks accurate with some possible swaps between 3-5

I think it will be real tight between us, Hornets, Mavs and Blazers. Hopefully one of the big three in San Antonio go down with an injury which could see us possibly snagging that 2nd seed if we play our cards right and our front court stays away from injuries themselves.

I don't see the Hornets Mavs OR Blazers enjoying the success that they think they're going to have. San Antonio is known to play at a lower level during the season and then give it all they got in the playoffs. I think the Nuggets have #2 seed on lock and will make a serious push to win the western conference. Just think of the additions they made and the fact that Billups will be spending a full season with them training camp and all. Nuggets are one of the most complete teams in the league that plays hard and capitalize on other teams' mistakes.

It might even be 2 or 3 for you guys if the Nuggets have a better record than the Blazers. I have a feeling that the Spurs might be in energy conservation mode so that they won't be tired comes playoff time.

I could see the Lakers doing the same. It's hard to be extremely motivated during the regular season for defending champs, especially after playing two more months then other teams. Everyone is also gunning for you even more, and again, they tend to want to conserve energy more for the title defense. That's why they usually don't have as good of record in the regular season the year after...like the Celtics last year...or hell, even the 3peat LA team only finished as the 5th seed one year, I'm pretty sure(played Minny in the first round).

That's why I keep saying, while the Lakers are better and the Spurs could be as well(the two "favorites" for the top seed), doesn't necessarily mean they'll end up with the best regular season record. That could very well be Portland or Denver.

I'm concerned for our bench depth...

nuggets vs lakers rematch would be great in the 2nd round imo

I kind of wish they had picked the Nuggets to be out of the top 6 again, it seems to help motivate the team when they get no respect. Of course putting them 4th, after they finished 2 last year, and gave the Lakers a run, should still be some motivation so it is okay.

The winner of the NW division will be second seed. SAS will be 3rd due to coasting. Whether it be Portland ( ), you guys, or Utah ( ), I don't see the Spurs going full boar, especially if the Lakers get a lead on them for the no.1

I am glad that you guys are going to give the Spurs the SW Division. We own them; there is no way they will win the division.

MAD MAV MAN wrote:I am glad that you guys are going to give the Spurs the SW Division. We own them; there is no way they will win the division.

By the way, you guys are the fourth best team in the west behind the Lakers, Mavs, and Spurs. As far as Portland, its not going to happen.

The Mavs are better than the Nuggets? Could have fooled me by losing 8 of 9 against them last year.

Shawn Marion > God.

MHZ wrote:Shawn Marion > God.

Wait a minute...what about Eric Dampier

MattBoner wrote:I think the Nuggets have #2 seed on lock and will make a serious push to win the western conference. Just think of the additions they made

Are there really that great of additions? Denver lost Kleiza and Jones, and replaced them with Afflalo and Graham. That's pretty much even to me, if anything Kleiza/Jones may be better than Afflalo/Graham (for this coming season - although Afflalo may be better in the long run). Ty Lawson was a nice draft pick though for a backup PG.