"Who is the biggest threat to the Thunder in the postseason? That depends on the health of the Denver Nuggets, who pushed the Thunder to seven games in the West semifinals last season. Like Oklahoma City, Denver has been hit hard by injuries throughout the season, but the Nuggets' revamped front office has constructed the best supporting cast of Nikola Jokic's career -- if all the key contributors are available for the playoffs."
"The Jackals and the rest of the San Antonio Spurs' fan base have the right to be perturbed that they aren't the pick here, particularly considering that Victor Wembanyama and crew went 4-1 against the Thunder this season, including three wins in 12 days in December when Oklahoma City was relatively healthy. But a lack of playoff seasoning among this crew plants enough doubt in the Spurs' ability to get out of the West gauntlet."
The trade deadline and All-Star festivities are complete, leaving two months of regular-season basketball and a shifting postseason picture. The primary Western threat to the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder hinges on the Denver Nuggets' health and availability of key contributors around Nikola Jokic. San Antonio showed regular-season dominance over Oklahoma City but carries questions about playoff seasoning. The MVP race could feature Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander again, with a potential sleeper candidate emerging. Attention also centers on the bottom of the standings as the NBA lottery approaches on May 10.
Read at ESPN.com
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