Optimal Seeding for the Nuggets
As the NBA regular season draws to a close with the final game on May 15, teams are strategizing not only to secure playoff berths but also to attain favorable matchups. According to Nuggets beat reporter Harrison Wind, landing the 3rd seed might not be as disadvantageous as it seems, potentially setting up advantageous series against the Pelicans and Thunder.
Current Western Conference Standings
The Western Conference standings currently place the Thunder and Timberwolves in the play-in positions for the 7th and 8th seeds, respectively. The Nuggets, Clippers, Mavericks, Pelicans, Suns, Lakers, Kings, and Warriors follow suit.
Analyzing the Third Seed Scenario
With aspirations of becoming the second team after the 2018 Warriors to successfully defend their championship, the Nuggets are carefully considering their seeding options. Despite a recent loss to the Spurs, the Nuggets still have some control over their seeding, and being seeded 3rd might not be as unfavorable as initially perceived.
Insight from Nuggets Reporter
Nuggets beat reporter Harrison Wind suggests that securing the 3rd seed could potentially offer the best scenario for the team. “This would likely mean facing the 6th-seeded Pelicans in the first round and the 2nd-seeded Thunder in the second round,” he noted.
Favorable Matchups Against Rising Teams
Both the Pelicans and Thunder are emerging forces in the league, but their youthful rosters may lack the experience necessary to contend for a championship. Facing such teams in the playoffs could play to the Nuggets’ advantage.
Considerations Amid Uncertainty
However, the Nuggets’ ideal scenario might not materialize as expected, given the possibility of the Suns overtaking the Pelicans for the 6th seed. Moreover, the Suns were the only team to secure two victories against the Nuggets during their championship run last year.
Warriors’ Playoff Hopes Hinge on Lakers’ Fate
For the Warriors, the path to the playoffs narrows down to winning their final game while hoping for losses from the Lakers and Kings. Despite the slim chance of clinching the 8th seed, avoiding a matchup against the 8th-seeded Lakers might be in their best interest.
Strategic Rest for Warriors’ Key Players
As the Warriors prepare for their upcoming game against the Jazz, several key players including Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, Chris Paul, and Jonathan Kuminga are listed as questionable. Head coach Steve Kerr has hinted at the possibility of resting players to preserve their energy for the play-in tournament. (SMBET)