The Denver Nuggets are the top seed in the Western Conference side of the 2023 NBA Playoffs. But the Phoenix Suns are the new shiny object the NBA betting public fixates on. Phoenix has joined the Nuggets and the Golden State Warriors as the Conference favorites. Still, Denver has been the most consistent team in the West over the regular season schedule. Denver boasts a solid defense and an elite superstar. Nikola Jokic can dominate games like few other players. But gamblers ask if Jokic has enough of a supporting cast.
2022-23 NBA Playoff Futures
Denver Nuggets
NBA Championship CashBet Odds: +1100
Western Conference Championship CashBet Odds: +350
Denver Nuggets CashBet Wagering Overview
The Denver Nuggets will face the lowest-seeded winner of the Western Conference play-in round. Denver’s first playoff game is on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. Tipoff time and television coverage are to be determined. Denver will be a strong sportsbook odds favorite against their first-round opponent.
Denver Nuggets NBA Playoff Preview
Late on, Denver has covered four out of their last six games. In comparison, the Nuggets have gone under the pro basketball betting total in nine of its previous 11 matchups. Concurrently, Denver is 1st in the Western Conference playoff standings. The Memphis Grizzlies are two games behind the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference playoff race.
Overall, Denver has NBA ranks of 12th for scoring offense, 1st for field goal percentage, 4th for 3-point field goal percentage, 26th for free throw percentage, and 19th for offensive rebounding. In comparison on defense, the Nuggets rank 8th for scoring defense, 20th for field goal percentage permitted, 3rd for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 1st for defensive rebounding.
The Denver Nuggets are 53-29 straight up, 45-37 against the spread, and 37-44-1 over/under the Betting on NBA total. First among Denver scorers is Nikola Jokic, with 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. Jamal Murray adds 20.0 points and 6.2 assists per contest.
Denver Seeks First Championship in Franchise History
Denver is arguably the most successful franchise to have never reached the NBA Finals. To show, the Denver Nuggets have made the playoffs 37 times and have an overall record above .500 in their 56 seasons between the ABA and the NBA. They have had some of the most exciting players in the league during their history. But an NBA gambling title remains elusive.
This franchise was founded in 1967 as the Denver Larks. However, they changed their name to the Rockets before their first game. And then, they became the Denver Nuggets when they were accepted as one of the four franchises that would join the NBA from the ABA. They were a perennial playoff team in the ABA. In like manner, that reputation continued in the NBA. Denver made the postseason in 21 of its first 23 seasons.
While the Nuggets were a continual playoff team, they could not advance further than the Western Conference Finals. Denver has had stars like Dan Issel, Alex English, David Thompson, Carmelo Anthony, and Dikembe Mutombo. Still, the Nuggets have lost in all four of their trips to the Western Conference Finals.
Most recently, Denver bested Utah and the Los Angeles Clippers in seven games to make the Western Conference Finals during the 2019-20 season. In turn, the Nuggets could not beat the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Nuggets are owned by the same group that owns the National Hockey League’s Colorado Avalanche. Last year the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup championship. Denver hoped the Nuggets could match that accomplishment, but it was not. This year, Denver could become the first city to win both titles. Most important of all, Denver continues to appreciate the climb of the Nuggets.
At the onset of the NBA Playoffs, Denver was being overlooked by the Phoenix Suns. Despite the fact that Denver is the top seed in the Western Conference. Now the postseason will serve as the ultimate testing ground.
