The Denver Nuggets have no cupcakes this week as they fight for playoff position, which may actually be a good thing considering recent losses to the Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Hornets and Golden State Warriors. The Nuggets will face three teams within a few games of them in the West standings, plus an Eastern conference powerhouse.
Monday, April 16: at Houston Rockets (6:00 p.m. MT, ALT)
The Nuggets beat the Rockets by 15 on Sunday night in Denver to jump above them and into the No. 7 slot in the West, but Monday night's game remains a large one. If the Rockets get back a win, the two teams will once again be tied. But if Denver wins, they'll find themselves up two games on the Rockets with five to play.
Wednesday, April 18: at Los Angeles Clippers (7:00 p.m. MT, ALT)
It's unlikely that the Nuggets can catch the Clippers— who currently occupy the West's fourth seed— but if anything this game will be a solid measuring stick for Denver, as they go up against a team that some consider to be a legitimate NBA Finals contender.
Saturday, April 21: at Phoenix Suns (3:30 p.m. MT, ALT/ESPN)
The Suns are currently a game back of Houston for the eighth seed and two back of Denver for the seventh, so this game could have serious playoff implications. If the Suns have a rough week, Denver may have a chance to put the final nail in their coffin, or they may find themselves furiously fighting back the streaking Suns.
Sunday, April 22: vs Orlando Magic (6:00 p.m. MT, ALT)
The Nuggets will supposedly be without star center Dwight Howard, who is sitting out with a back injury, but they may be forced to throw him into the action if their position in the East standings begins to slip any further.
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