The Nuggets have started hard stretch in the Season. Last night, we fell to the hottest team in the NBA — Golden State (who are well on their way to cementing a spot as one of the best teams in history). Over the next five games, the Nuggets play the Clippers, Spurs, Mavs, Bucks, and Bulls. Together these teams have a combined 38-27 record. With that being said, I think we have an opportunity to go 3-2.

Clippers:

The Clippers roster is stacked with talent. Yet, the Clippers have failed to turn their talent into W’s. While the team has looked good in both games against Golden State, the Clippers and Doc Rivers have only managed 6 wins. The Los Angeles team started hot, but has lost 4 of their last 5. The Nuggets play the Clippers at home tomorrow, the 24th. This will be the Clippers 4th game in six days. On top of that, the Clippers need to turn around and play the Jazz following the Nuggets, making it 5 games in seven days. That’s a lot to ask in the NBA. By the time the Clippers make it to Denver, the team might be worn down, and if not, the altitude will add some difficulty. The Nuggets on the other hand will be playing their 2nd game in four days. With some rest, I think the Nuggets come out strong against the Clippers. This, in conjunction with our young athletic talent, shifts the advantage to the Nuggets. I think we jump to an early lead and don’t let go, grabbing a win.

Spurs:

We just played the Spurs, and were outmatched. However, this game is at home which may make a difference. In Denver, our Nuggets may have a better chance of setting the pace, and controlling the game against the Spurs. The Spurs are a veteran team though, with the average player age at 30.8 (the oldest in the League). Against veteran teams, it is harder to control a game, and to coax the opponent into your game plan. Especially with Greg Popovich at the helm. With that being said, the Spurs are notorious for a laissez fair mentality early in the season. Because of their age, the Spurs keep a modest past in November and December, only to turn on the effort when it matters. Yet, with all these facts working in our favor, I see the Spurs taking advantage of the matchups in the front court. In our front court, we are young. The Spurs are experienced, especially with the addition of Aldridge. Ultimately, I don’t think we match up well with our forwards and bigs. The Spurs take this one making us 1-1 over this stretch.

Mavericks:

Opposite of the Clippers, the Mavericks have heated up following a sluggish start. The Mavericks started the season 2-3, including a couple of embarrassing losses to Charlotte and New Orleans. Yet, following their loss to New Orleans, the Mavericks flipped the script, winning 6 out of there next seven games. Upon closer examination though, the Mavericks best win this season is over a 7-6 Bostin Celtics team. Most of their other wins have been over mediocre teams, including the Lakers twice, the 76ers, and the Pelicans. Therefore, while the record suggests the Mavericks are competitive, the record is a little inflated due to their unimpressive schedule. On the other hand, the Nuggets are only 6-7, but have been tested against better teams; this game is much more even than the records show. Each team is averaging just over 100 points, 43 rebounds, and 21 assists a game. For this reason, I believe the match will be determined by a couple of individual matchups. First, both teams leading scorer is a forward, Nowitzki for the Mavs, and Gallinari for the Nuggets; each is averaging 18 points a game. If Gallinari can get hot, and outscore his counterpart, we will have a better chance of winning. Next, my focus is going to be on Deron Williams and Emanuel Mudiay. Mudiay is averaging 1 more assist per game than Williams, but Williams is keeping the ball safer (averaging 3 less turn overs per game). If Mudiay can protect the ball, which he has been as of late, we will have an even better chance at pushing past the Mavericks with a win. Therefore, I’m optimistically giving us a win.

Bucks:

I’m least worried about the Nuggets loosing this game. The Bucks are 5-8 and on a 3 game losing streak. The Bucks are young just like the Nuggets, but don’t necessarily have the same talent. The Nuggets are averaging 5 more points per game, and 6 more rebounds per game. While the Bucks have an electric player in Antetokounmpo, he can be inconsistent. Also, he lacks a good supporting cast. The Nuggets on the other hand are solid in most areas. We have good scorers in Gallinari and Barton. Faired is a great rebounder. Also, Mudiay is improving by the day. I think we leave Milwaukee with a win.

Bulls:

The Bulls are the second best team we play during this 5 game stretch. The Bulls have skilled, seasoned players in Butler and Gasol. Rose can also be electric when healthy, but he is fighting a sprained ankle. He will be back against the Nuggets, but he might be more of a question mark in this game in terms of his contributions. With that being said, I think the Bulls are just more experienced and skilled this season. In addition, we are playing the Bulls at the United Center. It is also going to be the Nuggets 3rd road game in four days. We are probably going to lose this one, making us 3-2 during our five game stretch.

An Optimistic 3-2

In recap, I think we beat the Clippers, Mavericks and Bucks. The Spurs and Bulls are probably going to get the best of our Nuggets. With that being said, I would not be surprised if the Nuggets go 2-3 during this five game stretch. The key game will be our game against the mavericks in Dallas. If we win the important matchups, I think we come out on top.