Denver Nuggets 2012-13 Schedule: Monthly Breakdown and W-L Predictions
The Denver Nuggets have qualified for the postseason in nine consecutive seasons. But despite their ability to make the playoffs, the Nuggets have only advanced as far as the Western Conference finals one time during that span. Is this the year the Nuggets make some noise in the postseason?
It's certainly possible that this is Denver's year to shine. Granted, the Nuggets are returning a team that's not much different than the one that was knocked out in the first round by the Lakers in 2011-12. However, the Nuggets are a young team, so it's conceivable that they could markedly improve through progression with their own players instead of going out and making huge splashes in free agency.
Either way, it figures to be an exciting year for the Nuggets and their fans. They'll get to see the return of Carmelo Anthony to Denver and another year of chemistry between their young nucleus of Ty Lawson, Aaron Afflalo, Danilo Gallinari, JaVale McGee and Kenneth Faried.
October/November Schedule
1 of 19Wednesday, October 31 @ Philadelphia 76ers
Friday, November 2 @ Orlando Magic
Saturday, November 3 @ Miami Heat
Tuesday, November 6 vs. Detroit Pistons
Wednesday, November 7 @ Houston Rockets
Friday, November 9 vs. Utah Jazz
Saturday, November 10 @ Golden State Warriors
Monday, November 12 @ Phoenix Suns
Thursday, November 15 vs. Miami Heat
Saturday, November 17 @ San Antonio Spurs
Monday, November 19 @ Memphis Grizzlies
Wednesday, November 21 @ Minnesota Timberwolves
Friday, November 23 vs. Golden State Warriors
Sunday, November 25 vs. New Orleans Hornets
Monday, November 26 @ Utah Jazz
Thursday, November 29 @ Golden State Warriors
Friday, November 30 @ L.A. Lakers
Key October/November Games
2 of 19Friday, November 9 vs. Utah Jazz
The up-and-coming Jazz travel to Denver for the first matchup of 2012-13 for the division rivals. Both teams were fairly equal last season, with the Nuggets posting a better overall record by only two games. This will be an early chance to see how the two will match up this season.
Thursday, November 15 vs. Miami Heat
Miami travels to Denver to take on the Nuggets for what will be the defending champ's only trip to the Mile High City. It's an interesting game because fans will get an up-close look at LeBron and co. Also, it's intriguing because it gives the Nuggets an early opportunity to measure themselves against the NBA's elite.
Saturday, November 17 @ San Antonio Spurs
This game will provide the Nuggets their first look at the team with the best win-loss record in the Western Conference for the last two years. Since the game is being played in San Antonio, it will provide a true road test for the Nuggets.
Friday, November 30 @ L.A. Lakers
After getting bumped from the playoffs in seven games by the Lakers in 2011-12, this game will be Denver's first chance to exact a little revenge. It will also be interesting to see how Denver handles Los Angeles now that Steve Nash is in the mix for L.A.
October/November Win-Loss Prediction: 10-7
Wins: Philadelphia, Orlando, Detroit, Houston, Utah, Phoenix, Minnesota, Golden State, New Orleans, Golden State
Losses: Miami, Golden State, Miami, San Antonio, Memphis, Utah, L.A. Lakers
Preview and Prediction for October/November
3 of 19Best One-on-One Matchup of October/November
Not only will the Nuggets' two matchups with the Miami Heat be a good test for the team, they'll also provide the best individual matchup. The games should pit Danilo Gallinari against LeBron James.
Obviously James is the superior player, but both Gallinari and James play a similar brand of ball on offense.They're two of the biggest small forwards in the NBA, but both are incredibly versatile and athletic.
Nuggets' Best-Case Scenario for October/November
Given the Nuggets' difficult schedule in the early part of the season, it's hard to envision them getting through October/November unscathed. Nine of Denver's 17 games are against playoff teams from last season, with seven of those games on the road. If the ball bounces in their favor, the Nuggets could go 13-4.
Nuggets' Worst-Case Scenario for October/November
As good as the Nuggets are, their difficult schedule in October/November could be too difficult to overcome. With road matchups against playoff teams like Philadelphia, Orlando, Miami, San Antonio, Memphis, Utah and Golden State, plus home matchups against Utah and Miami, it's not impossible for Denver to go 8-9 in October/November.
December Schedule
4 of 19Monday, December 3 vs. Toronto Raptors
Wednesday, December 5 @ Atlanta Hawks
Friday, December 7 @ Indiana Pacers
Sunday, December 9 @ New York Knicks
Tuesday, December 11 @ Detroit Pistons
Wednesday, December 12 @ Minnesota Timberwolves
Friday, December 14 vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Sunday, December 16 @ Sacramento Kings
Tuesday, December 18 vs. San Antonio Spurs
Thursday, December 20 @ Portland Trail Blazers
Saturday, December 22 vs. Charlotte Bobcats
Tuesday, December 25 @ L.A. Clippers
Wednesday, December 26 vs. L.A. Lakers
Friday, December 28 @ Dallas Mavericks
Saturday, December 29 @ Memphis Grizzlies
Key December Games
5 of 19Wednesday, December 12 @ Minnesota Timberwolves
A game at Minnesota by itself isn't really a key matchup. Sure, the T-Wolves figure to be an improved team this season, especially if Ricky Rubio can stay healthy. Even then, the Nuggets should be able to handle the Timberwolves in Minnesota.
What makes this game intriguing is that Denver will be playing Minnesota on a back-to-back. Add fatigue into the mix, and suddenly this game becomes more difficult.
Tuesday, December 25 @ L.A. Clippers
This game should be fun for a couple of different reasons. First, it's the Nuggets' first game against the Clippers of the 2012-13. The Clippers and the Nuggets both figure to be playoff teams, making it a good test. Second, the game will be played on Christmas Day and nationally televised, so you can expect a spirited effort from both teams.
Wednesday, December 26 vs. L.A. Lakers
Any game against the L.A. Lakers is a key game for the Nuggets. Throw into the mix that both teams will be playing back-to-backs. Adding even more intrigue is that both teams will play their Christmas games in L.A., meaning they're not only both playing on consecutive days but also are traveling the same distance for the game.
It should make it so neither team has any advantages beyond the obvious home vs. road factors.
December Win-Loss Prediction: 10-5
Wins: Toronto, Indiana, New York, Detroit, Memphis, Sacramento, Portland, Charlotte, L.A. Lakers, Dallas
Losses: Atlanta, Minnesota, San Antonio, L.A. Clippers, Memphis
Previews and Predictions for December
6 of 19Best One-on-One Matchup of December
When the Nuggets travel to Indiana to take on the Pacers on December 7, it will be a game that pits two of the NBA's rising young centers against each other. Both JaVale McGee and Hibbert are familiar with each other from McGee's time in the Eastern Conference.
They're players with different strengths, which should make it a fun matchup to watch. McGee's one of the better defenders at center, while Hibbert has one of the better offensive games at center. That should make a collision between McGee's above-average defense and Hibbert's above-average offense.
Nuggets' Best-Case Scenario
Nine of Denver's 15 games in December are against playoff teams from 2011-12. That should make for a difficult schedule. That said, games vs. San Antonio, Memphis and the L.A. Lakers are in Denver, making them more manageable for the Nuggets.
If the Nuggets handle their business against inferior teams on the road and win some close games against the playoff teams at home, the Nuggets could go 12-3 in December.
Nuggets' Worst-Case Scenario
Not only do the Nuggets have nine matchups against playoff teams from last season, they've also got three back-to-backs. with two of them against playoff teams from last year. Those games could prove difficult to win.
Denver also has a three-game road Eastern Conference road trip against Atlanta, Indiana and New York, who all made the playoffs a season ago. With the road trip and the back-to-backs, Denver could conceivably go 7-8 in December.
January Schedule
7 of 19Tuesday, January 1 vs. L.A. Clippers
Thursday, January 3 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Saturday, January 5 vs. Utah Jazz
Sunday, January 6 @ L.A. Lakers
Wednesday, January 9 vs. Orlando Magic
Friday, January 11 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Sunday, January 13 vs. Golden State Warriors
Tuesday, January 15 vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Wednesday, January 16 @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Friday, January 18 vs. Washington Wizards
Sunday, January 20 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Wednesday, January 23 @ Houston Rockets
Saturday, January 26 vs. Sacramento Kings
Monday, January 28 vs. Indiana Pacers
Wednesday, January 30 vs. Houston Rockets
Key January Games
8 of 19Tuesday, January 1 vs. L.A. Clippers
After playing the Clippers on Christmas in Los Angeles, the Nuggets will take on the Clippers in Denver on New Year's Day. If they lose on Christmas, it will provide the Nuggets a chance to get some revenge. A win on New Year's will also give the Nuggets a chance to start 2013 out on the right foot.
Wednesday, January 16 @ Oklahoma City Thunder
This will be Denver's first game against the Thunder in the 2012-13 season. Taking on a team as good as the Thunder is never easy. However, making it even for difficult for the Nuggets is that they'll be playing the Thunder in the second game of a back-to-back.
By beating the Thunder, Denver will have a cornerstone victory. If the Nuggets lose, they'll at least have the excuse that it was on a back-to-back.
Friday, January 18 vs. Washington Wizards
You may ask, since when is a game against the Washington Wizards a key matchup? Generally speaking, games against the Wizards aren't that key. But there's an exception this time because Denver's game against Washington is sandwiched by games against Oklahoma City.
It's possible that Denver loses both games to the Thunder. If that's the case, losing to the Wizards means the Nuggets have a three-game losing streak.
January Win-Loss Prediction: 11-4
Wins: L.A. Clippers, Minnesota, Utah, Orlando, Cleveland, Golden State, Portland, Washington, Houston, Sacramento, Indiana
Losses: L.A. Lakers, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City, Houston
Previews and Predictions for January
9 of 19Best One-on-One Matchup of January
It will be interesting to see what happens when the Nuggets play the Clippers on New Year's Day. The game should have plenty of matchups worth looking forward to, but the one that stands out the most is the battle between Ty Lawson and Chris Paul.
Lawson is an up-and-coming point guard, while Paul is an established star in the NBA. Both players are incredibly quick and are excellent distributors. It should make for a fun game.
Nuggets' Best-Case Scenario for January
Eight of Denver's 15 games are against teams that didn't make the playoffs in 2011-12. On top of that, 12 of Denver's 15 games are at home.
That should make for a very successful month for the Nuggets, with the only really difficult games being the two against the Oklahoma City Thunder. If Denver gets on a roll, it could finish the month with a 14-1 record.
Nuggets' Worst-Case Scenario for January
Given their opponents and their 12 home games, it's hard to imagine the Nuggets not having a lot of success in January. They could lose both games against Oklahoma City and games against the Lakers, Clippers, Jazz and one against Houston. Even then, the Nuggets would still go 9-6 in January.
February Schedule
10 of 19Friday, February 1 vs. New Orleans Hornets
Tuesday, February 5 vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Thursday, February 7 vs. Chicago Bulls
Saturday, February 9 @ Cleveland Cavaliers
Sunday, February 10 @ Boston Celtics
Tuesday, February 12 @ Toronto Raptors
Wednesday, February 13 @ Brooklyn Nets
Tuesday, February 19 vs. Boston Celtics
Friday, February 22 @ Washington Wizards
Saturday, February 23 @ Charlotte Bobcats
Monday, February 25 vs. L.A. Lakers
Wednesday, February 27 @ Portland Trail Blazers
Key February Games
11 of 19Thursday, February 7 vs. Chicago
The Bulls posted the NBA's best winning percentage during the regular season in 2011-12. With the injury to Derrick Rose, it's unknown how well he'll respond or how much success the Bulls will have as a team. But this much is certain: As long as Thom Thibodeau is coaching in Chicago, the Bulls will be a good defensive team.
Considering Denver was one of the best offensive teams in 2011-12, this game should be fun to watch and one that will give the Nuggets a barometer of how they perform against a top defense.
Wednesday, February 13 @ Brooklyn Nets
This will be Denver's first trip to Brooklyn to take on the Nets. The Nets figure to be an improved team this season but one that the Nuggets should be able to handle. The game is the last game before the All-Star game, so the Nuggets should be able to give it everything they've got without worrying about conserving energy for a back-to-back.
Tuesday, February 19 vs. Boston Celtics
If there's ever a good time to get on a roll, it will be this game against the Celtics. This game marks the start of the second half of the season, and it will provide a good opportunity for Denver to start the half on the right foot.
However, Boston should be well-rested from the All-Star break, meaning the Nuggets won't be able to catch Boston's veterans while they're fatigued.
February Win-Loss Prediction: 8-4
Wins: New Orleans, Chicago, Cleveland, Toronto, Boston, Washington, Charlotte, L.A. Lakers
Losses: Milwaukee, Boston, Brooklyn, Portland
Previews and Predictions for February
12 of 19Best One-on-One Matchup of February
One of the top rookies from last year's class was Denver power forward Kenneth Faried. Faried proved to be a solid rebounder, and his offensive game improved as the season went on. On February 1, Faried will get to go against the No. 1 overall pick from the 2011 draft, Anthony Davis.
Both players have bright futures, so it will be interesting to see how one of the top sophomores does against one of the top rookies.
Nuggets' Best-Case Scenario for February
Outside of games against the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics, there are no teams on February's schedule that are clearly equal to or above the Nuggets. Sure, the Nets could be a good team, but they're still unproven at this point. That means Denver could potentially go 10-2 in February.
Nuggets' Worst-Case Scenario for February
Although there are only a few teams that could pose problems to Denver, nine of the Nuggets' last 11 games are on the road. The Nuggets were a respectable 18-15 on the road in 2011-12, so they should be able to handle their business. But if they were to somehow falter, the Nuggets could go 4-8.
March Schedule
13 of 19Friday, March 1 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Monday, March 4 vs. Atlanta Hawks
Tuesday, March 5 @ Sacramento Kings
Thursday, March 7 vs. L.A. Clippers
Saturday, March 9 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Monday, March 11 @ Phoenix Suns
Wednesday, March 13 vs. New York Knicks
Friday, March 15 vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Monday, March 18 @ Chicago Bulls
Tuesday, March 19 @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Thursday, March 21 vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Saturday, March 23 vs. Sacramento Kings
Monday, March 25 @ New Orleans Hornets
Wednesday, March 27 @ San Antonio Spurs
Friday, March 29 vs. Brooklyn Nets
Key March Games
14 of 19Wednesday, March 13 vs. New York Knicks
Carmelo Anthony is one of the most recognizable players in the history of the Denver Nuggets. But since Anthony was traded to the New York Knicks during the 2010-11 season, he has yet to return to Denver as a member of the Knicks.
It will be interesting to see what type of welcome he receives in Denver. On the one hand, he helped bring the Nuggets from cellar-dwellers to perennial playoff contenders. On the other hand, his departure from the Nuggets was somewhat ugly, as it was surrounded by months of trade speculation.
Monday, March 18 @ Chicago Bulls and Tuesday, March 19 @ Oklahoma City Thunder
By themselves, each of these games will be difficult to win for the Nuggets. Considering they've got to face the Bulls and the Thunder as part of a back-to-back, it will be fun to see how the Nuggets handle it.
Accepting losing certainly isn't an ideal situation, but if Denver can get a split between these two games, it will be a small victory.
March Win-Loss Prediction: 7-8
Wins: Oklahoma City, Minnesota, Phoenix, Memphis, Philadelphia, Sacramento, New Orleans
Losses: Atlanta, Sacramento, L.A. Clippers, New York, Chicago, Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Brooklyn.
Previews and Predictions for March
15 of 19Best One-on-One Matchup of March
When Danilo Gallinari and Carmelo Anthony go against each other, not only will it put two of the best small forwards against one another, but it will also be a matchup of two guys that were traded for each other.
Gallinari is more athletic than Anthony, but Anthony is a superior player and more clutch. It will be interesting to see how they match up and which team ends up coming out on top in this one.
Nuggets' Best-Case Scenario for March
There are a lot of really good teams that the Nuggets will be taking on in March. Because of this, it will probably be their most difficult month. Denver's a good team in its own right, so there's always the possibility that they'll be peaking at the right time. If that's the case, the Nuggets could go 10-5 in March.
Nuggets' Worst-Case Scenario for March
As was just mentioned, the Nuggets have a lot of really difficult games in March. They could play at their normal rate and still manage to post a sub-.500 record in the month.
If they catch some opponents on the wrong night, March could be really disastrous. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Denver post a 6-9 record for the month, but if things really go badly, they could be even worse at 4-11.
April Schedule
16 of 19Wednesday, April 3 @ Utah Jazz
Thursday, April 4 vs. Dallas Mavericks
Saturday, April 6 vs. Houston Rockets
Wednesday, April 10 vs. San Antonio Spurs
Friday, April 12 @ Dallas Mavericks
Sunday, April 14 vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Monday, April 15 @ Milwaukee Bucks
Wednesday, April 17 vs. Phoenix Suns
Key April Games
17 of 19Wednesday, April 3 @ Utah Jazz
Considering the close proximity between the Nuggets and the Jazz in the 2011-12 standings, it's likely that both teams will be battling it out for a playoff spot or playoff positioning in 2012-13.
Winning head-to-head games like this one is crucial because not only does it guarantee a win for you, but it also ensures a loss for the team you're battling in the standings.
Monday, April 15 @ Milwaukee Bucks
This game marks the last back-to-back of Denver's season as well as its last road game. With the Bucks potentially in the mix for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, capturing this game will be extremely important to both teams.
Wednesday, April 17 vs. Phoenix Suns
With the Nuggets likely heading to the postseason, it will be important for them to finish the season on a strong note. With this being the last game of the regular season, it's key that Denver comes out with a win.
Luckily for Denver, this game is a home game, which should make it easier for the Nuggets to come out on top.
April Win-Loss Prediction: 5-3
Wins: Utah, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Phoenix
Losses: Dallas, Portland, Milwaukee
Previews and Predictions for April
18 of 19Best One-on-One Matchup of April
Taking on the Milwaukee Bucks in the second-to-last game of the season will provide a good matchup for the two teams. It should also provide a nice individual matchup between Monta Ellis and Aaron Afflalo.
In this matchup you'll have one guy who scores but doesn't provide much on defense (Ellis) going against a guy who can really defend but could use some work on his offensive game (Afflalo).
Nuggets' Best-Case Scenario for April
Five of Denver's eight games are played at home. Also, of Denver's eight games, four of them are against teams that weren't in the postseason in 2011-12. The favorable schedule could help push Denver to a 7-1 record in April.
Nuggets' Worst-Case Scenario for April
While it's true that only four of the Nuggets' eight games are against playoff teams from a year ago, it's also true that teams like Houston and Milwaukee are likely to be much better than they were in 2011-12. That could make for a much more difficult schedule in April than originally anticipated. It's not out of the question to see Denver post a 3-5 record in April.
Final Predictions
19 of 19Final Record: 51-31
For the most part, the Nuggets are returning the same caliber of team that they finished with last season. What they have going for them is that they're a young team, so it's always possible that their players can develop.
However, even with an improvement by the Nuggets, some playoff teams like the Lakers and Clippers have made marked improvements to their rosters. Other non-playoff teams from 2011-12 like the Rockets and Timberwolves have improved their chances of sneaking into the playoffs. Then there are playoff teams like the Thunder and Jazz, who are also young and figure to improve as much as Denver.
Despite all this jostling, it looks like the Nuggets will end up in about the same position as 2011-12, when they finished with the sixth seed in the Western Conference.
Denver should be able to keep its playoff streak alive, but given the depth of the Western Conference, it's hard to imagine Denver moving into the top four seeds or challenging some of the NBA's elite in the playoffs.
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