Playoff Teams Preview, cont.

Denver Nuggets

54-27

Melo yet to win a playoff series

clinched Northwest Division

KEYS: Anthony- 23 ppg, 6.8 rpg

Billups- 17.9 ppg, 91% FT

opponents shoot just 43%

Perhaps the surprise story of the year is the Nuggets being in a position to win the second seed in the Western Conference. On a team that isn't nearly as talented as past editions have been, the poise of Chauncey Billups, the energy of the Birdman, and the failures of year's past have seemed to fuel this group. Melo isn't having a great year statistically, but has been a good soldier, sacrificing a lot of opportunities. The most important surprise has been the consistent play and health of their three big men: Martin, Nene, and the aforementioned Chris Andersen.

In year's past, this team was unorthodox and crazy, launching ugly threes and gambling all over the place on D. With Billups replacing Iverson and Dahntay Jones added a bit of a defensive presence on the wing, they have become a neutral team. The bench is still a wild card with the lunatic J.R. Smith and the up-and-down Linas Kleiza (not to mention Birdman). If they can't advance this year, then George Karl really needs to move on because I am slowly losing respect for a coach who should be considered one of the best in the game.

This team has the talent to play with anyone and the Rocky Mountains provide an unlikely extra advantage, but it normally takes baby steps to advance in the postseason. They should get by in the first round, against one of the trio of underachievers: Utah, New Orleans, or Dallas. But, in the second round, they will run into problems. Houston would especially be a difficult matchup, with both Battier and Artest to put on Melo. Portland is coming on very strong and San Antonio is never to be counted out, especially against the Nuggets. If that happens, this team should head for vacation after 6 second round games.