Two-time defending MVP Nikola Jokic must feel like it’s Christmas in October. After essentially putting the team on his back last year, he gets to welcome back the two superstars, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. who can help carry the Nuggets to new heights.
On top of that, the supporting cast has been reset, including a terrific fit with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope coming over from the Wizards. Look for him to have lots of open looks from the 3-point line courtesy of Jokic while also providing lock down defense.
Bruce Brown, Ish Smith and DeAndre Jordan are all capable of providing solid bench minutes as well as they grow into their roles.
Bones Hyland is back after an impressive rookie season and Jeff Green is yet another veteran presence, while rookie Christian Braun comes from title winning Kansas as a do-it-all defensive 3-and-D.
When PF Aaron Gordon is your fourth of fifth best starter and capable of putting up 15 PPG shooting better than 50%, you know your team is ready to contend.
The one unknown for the Nuggets is how long it’ll take to make the pieces fit with seven new players transitioning into the lineup who essentially didn’t play last year (including Porter Jr. and Murray).
Denver Nuggets Season Outlook:
Projected Starting Lineup: PG Jamal Murray, SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pop, SF Michael Porter Jr., PF Aaron Gordon, C Nikola Jokic
Head coach: Michael Malone
Notable Additions: F Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, G/F Bruce Brown, C DeAndre Jordan, G Ish Smith
Draft Picks: G/F Christian Braun (21st overall)
Nuggets Arena: Ball Arena
Nuggets NBA Schedule: NBA.com
2022-23 Denver Nuggets NBA Futures Odds
- Odds to win the 2023 NBA Championship: 18/1
- Odds to win the 2022-23 Western Conference: +750
- Odds to win the 2022-23 Northwest Division: -140
- 2022-23 Regular Season Win Total: Over 50½ (-125)
- Odds to Make the Playoffs: Yes -700 | No +425
- Official website: nba.com/nuggets
- Twitter Account : @nuggets
2022-23 Denver Nuggets NBA Award Top Contenders
Regular Season MVP: Nikola Jokic +900
6th Man OTY: Bones Hyland +1800
Most Improved Player: Michael Porter Jr. +4000
Liev Jackson NBA Season Prediction on Nuggets:
The Nuggets are stacked, yet somewhat overlooked given how they haven’t been able to get out of the second round the last two years while Jokic was the MVP. It will take some time for both Porter Jr. and Murray to get up to speed, but the depth here is elite.
I love teams that have this kind of continuity at the top. The new supporting cast seems perfect to help take them to a new level, and betting on them early means there’s great value to be had as they are just eighth favorites to win the title and fourth to emerge from the conference.
From an individual perspective however, hard to see Jokic getting another MVP award with so many worthy candidates.
Favorite bets for the season at current odds include:
- Odds to win the 2023 NBA Championship: 18/1
- Odds to win the 2022-23 Western Conference: +750
- 2022-23 Regular Season Win Total: Over 50½ (-125)
2021-22 Record: 48-34
My Record Prediction: 58-24
NBA Odds According to Bovada as of September, 2022
Bet on the Denver Nuggets 2022-23 Season at Bovada Sportsbook.
