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Predictions for 2018-19 NBA season and how they impact the Denver Nuggets

By Grayson Moore

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 17: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates with the 2017 BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge MVP trophy after the World Team defeated the US Team 150-141 in the 2017 BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge at Smoothie King Center on February 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 17: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates with the 2017 BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge MVP trophy after the World Team defeated the US Team 150-141 in the 2017 BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge at Smoothie King Center on February 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – MARCH 1: Golden State Warriors small forward Harrison Barnes (40) drives past Boston Celtics small forward Paul Pierce (34) during the Boston Celtics 94-86 victory over the Golden State Warriors at TD Garden on March 1, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Chris Elise/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 1: Golden State Warriors small forward Harrison Barnes (40) drives past Boston Celtics small forward Paul Pierce (34) during the Boston Celtics 94-86 victory over the Golden State Warriors at TD Garden on March 1, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Chris Elise/Getty Images) /

Playoff Predictions

First Round

Western Conference

1 seed GS Warriors defeat 8 seed SA Spurs, 4-1

2 seed HOU Rockets defeat 7 seed OKC Thunder, 4-2

3 seed UTA Jazz defeat 6 seed DEN Nuggets, 4-3

5 seed NO Pelicans defeat LA Lakers, 4-3

Eastern Conference

1 seed BOS Celtics defeat 8 seed NY Knicks, 4-0

2 seed TOR Raptors defeat 7 seed MIA Heat, 4-1

3 seed PHI 76ers defeat 6 seed WAS Wizards, 4-3

5 seed IND Pacers defeat 4 seed MIL Bucks, 4-3

Second Round

Western Conference

1 seed GS Warriors defeat 5 seed NO Pelicans, 4-2

3 seed UTA Jazz defeat 2 seed HOU Rockets, 4-3

Eastern Conference

1 seed BOS Celtics defeat IND Pacers, 4-2

2 seed TOR Raptors defeat 3 seed PHI 76ers, 4-2

Conference Finals

Western Conference

1 seed GS Warriors defeat 3 seed UTA Jazz, 4-1

Eastern Conference

1 seed BOS Celtics defeat 2 seed TOR Raptors, 4-3

Finals

GS Warriors defeat BOS Celtics, 4-2

Finals MVP: Steph Curry

Yes, the Nuggets return to the playoffs will be short-lived, and yes, the Warriors will win the 2019 NBA Championship.

I don’t think the Nuggets have the veteran presence or experience to win a playoff series, but a first round exit may be more valuable to these guys than a second-round blowout defeat to the Rockets or Warriors. They will learn how to lose and how to accept a loss on one of the biggest stages in sports. A loss to a conference rival will be sure to knock them down a peg, but it will teach them valuable traits to carry with them as they proceed.

Humility.

Discipline.

Respect.

Top 10 Denver Nuggets of all time. dark. Next

These will be more important if earned in a heartbreaking first-round loss than a lopsided victory for Golden State or Houston. So yes, I believe the Nuggets will not make it past the first round this season. But I think that means the team’s future will be even brighter than before.

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