Denver Nuggets vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction: Two candidates for the title

The NBA Postseason is nearing and we have witnessed some superb action during the Regular Season. This is a crunch time for teams that are looking to nail a spot in the Play-in spots. However, there are many teams that have locked the top-six spots in their respective Conferences. In this cross-Conference of such teams, West table-toppers Denver Nuggets take on the title aspirants Philadelphia 76ers.

The Nuggets come into this game after defeating the 76ers 129:106 as Nikola Jokic put up 31 points and 11 assists. The Nuggets have won three games in a row and this has come after a slim period. They have been on fire for most of the season and have acquired 50 wins and 24 losses. Denver has thus laid claim to the title and their play has been electric on both ends. Nikola Jokic has gotten huge help this time around from Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray and their two-way production has helped the team. The team acquired Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown in the offseason which gave more flexibility. Can the Nuggets carry on this momentum into the Playoffs?

The 76ers enter the game after losing 105:125 to the Suns despite a 37 points performance by Tyrese Maxey. Philly has lost two in a row and they were without James Harden in both of these affairs while playing back-to-back games away from home. However, the 76ers have had a bunch of big winning streaks and have acquired 49 wins and 25 losses. Joel Embiid has been an MVP candidate and has been dominating defenses left and right. His Pick and Roll tag team with primary ball-handler James Harden and offense creator has been unstoppable. Having an up-tempo two-way player like Tyrese Maxey and veteran Tobias Harris gives the team a huge boost.

• Nuggets: OUT: Collin Gillespie, Jack White. QUESTIONABLE: Michael Porter Jr.;
• 76ers: QUESTIONABLE: Danuel House Jr, James Harden, Joel Embiid.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Nikola Jokic(29-35 Points), Joel Embiid(28-34 Points)- QUES;
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Nikola Jokic(11-14 Rebounds), Joel Embiid(11-14 Rebounds)- QUES;
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Nikola Jokic(10-12 Assists), James Harden(10-12 Assists)- QUES.

The Nuggets have been doing a great job of shutting down both non-elite and elite teams alike and despite some fluctuations lately, there is no need to panic because they have the set-up to make a long run. The 76ers are on a road trip and their play away-from-home has been impressive but seems like the 76ers are managing James Harden for the Playoffs so his absence can take a bit of a toll. Anyway, as for this game, I expect the Nuggets to win 120:113.