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DENVER, COLORADO – SEPTEMBER 29: Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets fields questions during Media Day at Ball Arena on September 29, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
When the NBA tips off its Tuesday, March 31, slate of games, the Denver Nuggets will be resting. The Nuggets will return to the court on Wednesday, April 1, to face the Utah Jazz.
Despite being gameless on Tuesday night, the Nuggets can still get a victory. There is a chance that Denver will become one of two Western Conference teams to clinch a spot in the 2026 NBA Playoffs on Tuesday.
The NBA announced the playoff scenarios on Tuesday.
How Can The Denver Nuggets Clinch A Playoff Spot?
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 24: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 125-123. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
With a Phoenix Suns loss against the Orlando Magic, the Nuggets are in.
In addition, a Phoenix loss would help the Los Angeles Lakers get in as early as Tuesday night as well, although the Lakers can still get in with a Suns win. All the Lakers have to do is defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night.
By the time the Lakers tip off, the Suns-Magic game will be decided.
Where The Nuggets Stand On Tuesday
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 04: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 04, 2026 in New York City. 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 Pamela Smith/Getty Images)
The Nuggets are currently ranked fourth in the Western Conference. They trail the Los Angeles Lakers, who are 49-26 on the year. The Lakers hold a 1.5-game lead over the Nuggets.
So far, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs are the first and only two teams to clinch a spot in the NBA Playoffs out of the West.
GettyNikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets reacts against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at Kaseya Center on December 29, 2025 in Miami, Florida. 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 Rich Storry/Getty Images)
The postseason participants are decided, with the Play-In Tournament shaping up to be the Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Phoenix Suns.
The Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Nuggets, and the Lakers are all in the playoff hunt, battling for top-six seeds.
After the Nuggets take on the Jazz on Wednesday, they’ll conclude their schedule with four more games, facing the San Antonio Spurs twice, along with the Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies, and the Thunder.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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