In one of my recent articles, I analyzed the NBA playoff race.  The strength of the Western Conference is evident as the eighth and final playoff spot will have some clarity after Thursday night’s game on TNT. 

The Denver Nuggets currently hold the eighth playoff spot with a record of 46-31.  The Golden State Warriors have the exact same record but a worse conference record. 

These two teams have played each other three times this season with Denver leading 2-1.  The fourth and final regular season match-up is Thursday, April 10 live from the Oracle Arena in Oakland. 

This game is a must win for Golden State and a gotta-have for Denver.  If Denver is able to pick up the road win, they are almost secured the final spot   

Golden State is going to need Stephen Jackson to step up big in this game.  He has been cold his last five games scoring just 8.8 PPG, well under his season average of 20.1 PPG. 

Jackson was a big part of Golden State's improbable playoff run last year and needs to step up if they want to be back in the postseason.  

Carmelo Anthony has been on fire lately scoring 38 and 47, respectively, in his last two outings.  If he continues his recent offensive surge, the Nuggets will find themselves in the insanity that is the NBA playoffs.  

However, Denver took a step back this weekend losing back-to-back games to two non-playoff teams, Sacramento and Seattle.  The way Denver has played defensively lately has all the makings of a shootout on Thursday. 

Over the weekend, they gave up an average of 134.5 PPG against two sub-par teams and  against Seattle, they scored 147 points, and LOST!  

Denver is currently third-worst in opponent points per game at 106.4 PPG and Golden State is worst at 108.0.  Both of their defenses are falling apart at just the right time for the ultimate shoot-out on Thursday.  

I think Denver is the better of the two teams and will make the playoffs.  After improving last season’s regular season record by four games with five to go, it appears that Golden State will be on the outside looking in.  

My prediction for Thursday’s game is Denver coming out on top 134-129.

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