Apr 4, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) takes a breather during the game against the Golden State Warriors in the third period at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

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Denver Nuggets Playoff Scenarios – What Needs to Happen for Nikola Jokic and Co. to Avoid the Play-In Tournament?

The Denver Nuggets were a dominant side in the first half of this season, slated to win the NBA championship this year. However, their record in the second half, which is the most crucial part of the season, has been fairly inconsistent, marred with excessive reliance on Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets are 5-5 in their last 10 games, which has now dragged them close to the unfamiliar territory of the play-in tournament.

The past few weeks have been more shocking for the franchise as both Coach Malone and GM Booth were fired due to poor working relationships. This has further brought down the dressing room environment, especially ahead of post-regular-season games. Jokic’s responsibility amidst all the fiasco has increased multiple folds.

Y'all showed out tonight, Nuggets Nation 💙 pic.twitter.com/oc4tyFKP45
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 12, 2025

The Denver Nuggets currently sit in the fourth position of the NBA Western Conference with a record of .605. With just one game left, Nuggets’ fans are sweating over the possible playoff scenarios. Anything can happen on Sunday, which is what makes the Western Conference all the more exciting.

How Can the Nuggets Qualify for the Playoffs?

The Denver Nuggets have their remaining game against the second-seed Houston Rockets. This remains a must-win fixture for the 2023 NBA champions as beating the Rockets would lock them in the fourth seed. This would also ensure home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Playoff Seeding // April 13th

If Denver and Minnesota both win (Rockets resting and Jazz)

GSW win vs LAC
4. Nuggets
5. Timberwolves
6. Warriors
7. Clippers
8. Grizzlies

LAC win vs GSW
4. Nuggets
5. Clippers
6. Timberwolves
7. Warriors
8. Grizzlies
— Wolves Lead (@TWolvesLead) April 12, 2025

Also Read: NBA Playoffs: How does the Grizzlies’ defeat help every team in the Western Conference?

However, if Denver loses the Houston game, then all sorts of nightmare scenarios start cropping up. They will have to then rely on the Clippers to beat the Warriors and the Utah Jazz to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves to stay within the top six. The LA Clippers vs Golden State Warriors game surely has the power to change the whole playoff dynamics in the Western conference.

What could go wrong for Denver if they lose on Sunday?

An even more nightmarish scenario awaits the Nuggets if they lose against the Houston Rockets. If the Golden State Warriors win against the Clippers and the Minnesota Timberwolves win against the Jazz, then GSW, LAC, and MT would all be on an equal season record. And guess what, the Denver Nuggets have a poor record against all the above teams.

As a result of that, the now 4th seed would fall all the way to 7th seed and right in the play-in tournament. And provided Denver Nuggets lose their first play-in game, which could be against Memphis Grizzlies, they would then slip further down the pit, fighting against the winner of Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks.

Even if the Nuggets overcome such a play-in scenario, they would face the first-seed Oklahoma City Thunder. Not very good for the Joker’s side. So all in all, the Denver Nuggets will need to overcome the Houston Rockets on Sunday.

Also Read: NBA’s 2024-2025 Most Valuable Player Race: Who Should Win the Award This Season?