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Utah Jazz: Way too early predictions for 2019-20 Western Conference standings

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 09: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets tries to drive through the defense Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz in the first half of a NBA game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 09, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 09: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets tries to drive through the defense Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz in the first half of a NBA game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 09, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OREGON – MAY 09: Nikola Jokic #15, speaks with Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets during the second half of Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on May 09, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. The Blazers won 119-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON – MAY 09: Nikola Jokic #15, speaks with Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets during the second half of Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on May 09, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. The Blazers won 119-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

1. Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets are a team that is absolutely equipped to thrive in the regular season. Had they closed out the year a little stronger last season, they may have very well earned the top seed as they were very close to doing so and were in that spot for much of the year. They’re returning almost an identical team to last year – a team that was absolutely formidable – and they’ll be among the best teams in the West yet again.

They also made an underrated addition in Jerami Grant, and they could even have X-factor type players in Michael Porter Jr. or Bol Bol, depending on what kind of roles and progression they’re able to take on. Key young guys such as Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Gary Harris should only continue to get better and I’m certain that their bet on continuity will pay large dividends as they pick up where they left off last year.

The other reason the Nuggets are so sturdy in the regular season is that they hold one of the best home court advantages in the league. Last year, they went 34-7 at the Pepsi Center for the best home record in the NBA. Their tough home crowd and the thin oxygen of high elevation provide them a nice boost that will aid them in what I believe will be a one-seed performance this upcoming season.

Next. Utah Jazz: How impactful is regular season seeding come playoff time?. dark

They were nearly the top seed a year ago, and unlike teams like the Clippers or Lakers, they have far less reason to rest players or focus on load management since they have a much younger and less injury-prone squad.

With this being the case, don’t be surprised if the Nuggets take home the regular season crown, even though come playoff time, I wouldn’t be surprised if their youth and lack of star power ultimately prove fatal in comparison to three or four of the teams below them in the standings.

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