It is an indisputable fact that the Denver Nuggets will be entering the 2025-26 NBA season as one of the premier contenders. Jokic alone makes Denver a legit team. However, Denver is further fortified by a stellar starting lineup of Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon, and the newly acquired Cam Johnson.

Now factor in the Nuggets’ tremendously upgraded bench, and the rest of the league should be trembling. However, the Nuggets are not the only contenders in the league. In fact, they may not even be the favorites in the Western Conference. Though the Nuggets are formidable, teams like the Thunder, Rockets, and Timberwolves are ready for battle.

Troubles with the Thunder

Last season left a bitter taste in the mouths of Nuggets fans as Denver lost to Oklahoma City in a very frustrating seven-game series. The Nuggets had multiple chances to pull away in the series, and they squandered each one. However, with their experience and new and improved roster, they may be ready for round two.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drops 35 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK as THE THUNDER ELIMINATE THE NUGGETS & ADVANCE TO THE WCF 😤 pic.twitter.com/ySudmYPXuE

— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) May 18, 2025

A big reason the Nuggets lost last year was their shooting. The Thunder were doubling Jokic and forcing Denver to hit their threes, which they could not. However, with the additions of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown, as well as the development of Julian Strawther, the Nuggets could start knocking them down with more consistency.

Last playoffs, Denver also kept double-teaming Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, which left shooters wide open for OKC. If Denver plays Shai one-on-one and forces him to beat them, the Nuggets at least eliminate the Thunder’s three-point attack. Also, if Denver throws different looks at SGA by switching between Braun, Brown, and Peyton Watson, it may throw him off.

Additionally, it is common knowledge that the Thunder have elite perimeter defenders across the board. By keeping the ball in Jokic’s hands and letting him run the offense, Denver should be able to reduce turnovers and get more open looks.

Finally, the x-factor for the potential rematch could be Aaron Gordon. The whole world saw how talented he truly was last year, and his versatility and ability to stretch the floor make him a nearly impossible matchup for the 7-footers, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. If Denver utilized him properly, they may be able to get their revenge.

However, the Thunder are not the only team in the West that Denver has to worry about.

Reservations about the Rockets

The Rockets are looking scary, as they just capped off a fantastic season with the addition of Kevin Durant. However, the Nuggets match up rather well against them.

BREAKING: The Phoenix Suns are trading two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft and five second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/EwrbA2ES9O

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2025

In 2023 against Phoenix, Aaron Gordon showed that he can limit Kevin Durant. With Fred VanVleet injured, Denver can give Murray more minutes since they won’t need a stronger defender on him. And, as good as Alperen Sengun is, he’s no match for Jokic down low.

Similar to the Thunder, the Rockets’ specialty is their perimeter defense, led by the uber-athletic Amen Thompson. Naturally, Denver should run their offense through whoever Thompson is not on. On that note, the Nuggets should play through whoever Reed Sheppard is guarding, as he is the defensive weak link on the perimeter. Thompson would likely guard Murray, leaving Sheppard on Braun, which is a matchup Braun must exploit.

It is harder to compare matchups when the Nuggets have yet to play the new and improved Rockets. However, unlike the Thunder, the Rockets seem to have more weak spots to exploit. Nevertheless, there is still one more team that must be discussed.

Trembling from the Timberwolves

In 2023, the Nuggets bested the Timberwolves in the first round in five games. However, Minnesota got its revenge, knocking off Denver in seven games in the 2024 Western Conference Semi-Finals. Therefore, both teams will be poised for the potential rubber match.

Similar to SGA, Denver should throw different 1-on-1 looks at Anthony Edwards, simultaneously keeping him off guard while preventing shooters from getting open.

Additionally, similar to the strategy for the Rockets, Denver should keep the ball away from Edwards and target whoever Mike Conley is guarding. Conley’s age and lack of height make him a bit of a weak link on a team full of lockdown defenders.

Finally, it’s been demonstrated time and again that Nikola Jokic simply owns Rudy Gobert. If the Nuggets let Jokic go to work on him, it simply will not end well for Minnesota.

Impending Improvements in a Worrisome West

Last year, Denver had some flaws. They constantly double-teamed ball handlers, leaving shooters open. Jokic didn’t take enough shots in big games. Murray didn’t always rise to the occasion. And their lack of depth and 3-point shooting absolutely killed them.

However, they addressed their roster needs, and if they can address their flaws as well, the sky is the limit for them.

The West is full of talent. Even disregarding the aforementioned teams, the Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, Mavericks, and more still pose a threat. But if Denver can successfully exploit the contenders’ weaknesses, the Nuggets could go all the way.