The Denver Nuggets started the season well, but in recent games, they have struggled to string together wins and that has held them back in the standings. They’ve also struggled on the road, as of December 7, they have won just four of their 12 road games.
There is a lot of promise on this team, and while it is fair to say they are not genuine championship contenders, the Nuggets are expected to be strong in the West, and a little better than we are seeing right now. Sportsbooks think the Nuggets can get involved in the race for the West, but don’t have them near the favorites according to their odds. Favorites for the West are the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, and Phoenix Suns at the moment, with the Nuggets in behind those teams.
With more sportsbooks launching, betting on the NBA is becoming more popular and many new players are learning how to bet on NBA games as the new season progresses. Wagering on the sport is becoming a more regular part of the experience. Regular games for each team, plus the fact that there is at least one game taking place almost every night of the season helps the NBA’s popularity with gambling when compared to something such as the NFL, which focuses most games around one day each week. Although, with how the Nuggets are currently fairing, it doesn’t look like they’ll be featuring too prominently in this.
Which Players Can Help the Denver Nuggets Win?
Much of the praise put upon this Denver Nuggets team goes the way of Nikola Jokic, and rightfully so, given what he has shown over the past few years, and is already showing this season. He’s scored over 120 points more than anyone else on the team, and he’s played fewer games than most of the players behind him, in part because of a suspension he received earlier in the season.
But this team simply cannot function as a one-man team, much more is needed. The supporting cast, including Will Barton and Aaron Gordon, have certainly contributed. But the feeling is that someone else needs to emerge and be a part of that core group moving forward.
A great night in the Garden! Always good to walk out with a win pic.twitter.com/mcgyRyqnvW
— Zeke Nnaji (@ZekeNnaji_Hoopz) December 5, 2021
One player who may be able to do that, is Denver’s first round pick from the 2020 draft, Zeke Nnaji. Although we’ve seen him from the bench so far, Nnaji has impressed, showing he can certainly be an NBA player, and there is a good chance that when he develops and gains some experience, he can be a very good one.
The Nuggets are taking baby steps with him so far, he’s played in just 11 games and is still only 20-year-old. However, if he keeps pushing like he has done recently, Nnaji is going to force his way into a bigger role by the time we get to the end of the season.
If he does that, and if we see more improvement from the exciting center, he could emerge as one of the players that can really help this franchise in the Western Conference this season.
Be sure to check out Belly Up Sports to stay up to date on Denver’s season! While you’re at it, check out our School District Publishing team of the week: Austin High School Football.
