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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

After clinching their first championship in 2023, the Denver Nuggets will expect a good run this season. Fans are excited to see how the roster, featuring familiar stars and fresh talent, will evolve as they aim for another deep playoff run. The Nuggets understand the importance of maintaining momentum, especially as they face off against teams like the Boston Celtics, the defending champions.

The dynamic duo of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray showcased their skills, but consistency and health remain crucial. To address these needs, the Nuggets have made strategic offseason additions, strengthening their already solid core and ensuring their readiness to compete in the challenging Western Conference.

Preseason Schedule

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Get ready for an action-packed preseason as the Sixers face off against some exciting opponents before the regular season. Here are the key dates, venues, opponents, and times as per the NBA.

Date and DayOpponentsVenueTime
Friday, October 4 vs. BostonEtihad Arena – Abu Dhabi 10:00 AM
Sunday, October 6 @ BostonEtihad Arena – Abu Dhabi 8:00 AM
Sunday, October 13 vs. PhoenixBall Arena – Denver, CO 7:00 AM
Tuesday, October 15vs. Oklahoma CityBall Arena – Denver, CO 7:00 AM
Friday, October 18@ MinnesotaTarget Center – Minneapolis, MN 6:00 AM

These games will be critical for the team to build chemistry and fine-tune their strategies before the season opener.

Denver Nuggets 2024-25 Roster:

Name Position University
Trey Alexander Shooting guard Creighton
Christian BraunSmall forwardKansas
Vlatko CancarSmall forward
Aaron GordonPower forwardArizona
PJ HallCenterClemson
Justin HolidaySmall forwardWashington
DaRon Holmes IICenterDayton
Nikola JokicCenter
Spencer JonesSmall forwardStanford
DeAndre JordanCenterTexas A&M
Braxton KeySmall forwardVirginia
Jamal MurrayPoint guardKentucky
Zeke NnajiPower forwardArizona
Jalen PickettShooting guardPenn St.
Michael Porter Jr.Small forwardMissouri
Dario SaricPower forward
Julian StrawtherSmall forwardGonzaga
Hunter TysonSmall forwardClemson
Peyton WatsonSmall forwardUCLA
Russell Westbrook Point guardUCLA

 Offseason Changes

As the Denver Nuggets prepare for the 2024-25 season, here are the notable offseason changes they have made. They signed DaRon Holmes II to a four-year, $15.2 million deal, while DeAndre Jordan and Vlatko Čančar joined the roster with one-year contracts worth $3.3 million and $2.4 million, respectively. The team brought in Dario Šarić on a two-year, $10.6 million deal, along with two-way players PJ Hall and Trey Alexander, who signed for $500,000 each.

As for Jamal Murray’s contract extension, he’s entering the final year of his deal and has signed a four-year, $208.5 million extension, with the Nuggets.

The departure of starting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who joined Orlando due to the new apron rules, had the most significant impact. Christian Braun and Julian Strawther, former first-round picks, are expected to step up and fill the gap left by his departure as Denver looks to them now.

2024-25: Nuggets aim for records and playoffs

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In the 2023-24 season, the Nuggets equaled their franchise-best 57 wins, but their playoff run ended prematurely against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This season, the focus shifts from total wins to how they achieve them. Their Over-Under win total is at 51.5, indicating a slight decline in expectations.

In the Western Conference, the Nuggets’ projected performance represents the competitiveness of the league, with teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder expected to win around 56.5 games because of their young roster and recent acquisitions.

While fewer regular-season wins may be anticipated, it could benefit their playoff readiness. Last year, the Dallas Mavericks advanced to the Finals with minimal time for lineup chemistry, showing that wins don’t always equate to postseason success.

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For the Nuggets, prioritizing the health and rest of core players like Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon could lead to a more effective playoff performance. Aiming for 50+ wins while managing player minutes sounds like a wise strategy. Balancing regular-season efforts with postseason preparedness might just be the key to another championship run.

Top Matchups

Minnesota Timberwolves: After a grueling seven-game series last season, the Denver Nuggets are eager for revenge against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both teams aim to establish themselves among the Western Conference’s elite this year, making these matchups highly anticipated. The intensity may differ from the playoffs, but the stakes remain significant. Head-to-head victories can greatly affect playoff seeding, a reality both teams will consider as the season progresses.

Denver and Minnesota have become familiar playoff opponents because of recent encounters. These matchups provide valuable opportunities for strategic adjustments since both teams are aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Anticipate thrilling basketball as both teams seek to establish their superiority at the beginning of the season.

Los Angeles Lakers: The rivalry between the Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers has intensified over the past few seasons. Denver swept the Lakers in the 2023 Conference Finals and eliminated them in just five games last year. However, for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, past losses only serve as motivation for redemption. The Lakers are eager to prove they can still contend with the reigning champions.

James is aware that Denver is likely a key step in his pursuit of another championship. Their matchups become even more dramatic, making them highly anticipated games of the season. Exciting moments await fans as both teams compete for bragging rights and playoff position.

Season Forecast and Expectations

Entering the 2024-25 season, the Nuggets remain a formidable presence in the league. However, their championship aura has dimmed slightly after facing unexpected challenges. Last season, vulnerabilities were exposed, particularly in defensive consistency and injury management. Key player Jamal Murray missed 23 crucial games due to knee issues, impacting their playoff performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In response, the Nuggets have added depth by bringing in DaRon Holmes II, a versatile center known for his shot-blocking and athleticism. The team also re-signed DeAndre Jordan, a seasoned veteran center with rebounding prowess and defensive experience; and Vlatko Čančar, a forward recognized for his playmaking ability and versatility on both ends of the court. These additions aim to enhance their bench strength and provide valuable support when starters rest.

Expectations remain high among fans, driven by a strong roster and a championship mindset. How will the Denver Nuggets perform this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.