Denver Nuggets Clinch Playoffs With Suns Loss, Lakers Win

Nuggets face injury concerns after Warriors game but can still secure postseason berth

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:10pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in shades of navy, gold, and white, capturing the dynamic movement and energy of a basketball game in an abstract, cubist style.The Nuggets' playoff-clinching victory is depicted through a cubist lens, reflecting the team's resilience and determination despite recent injury setbacks.Denver Today

The Denver Nuggets can clinch a spot in the 2026 NBA Playoffs with a Phoenix Suns loss and a Los Angeles Lakers win on Monday, March 28. While the Nuggets are dealing with several injuries to key players, including Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, Zeke Nnaji, and Spencer Jones, they remain in a strong position to make the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season.

Why it matters

The Nuggets have been one of the most successful teams in the NBA over the past decade, winning the championship in 2023. Clinching a playoff berth would extend their impressive postseason streak and keep them in contention as a dangerous team in the Western Conference, despite the recent injury concerns.

The details

The Nuggets currently sit fourth in the Western Conference standings with a 48-28 record. They need a Suns loss to the Memphis Grizzlies and a Lakers win over the Washington Wizards on Monday to clinch their playoff spot. While the team has dealt with several injuries, including Gordon's calf issue and in-game injuries to Johnson, Nnaji, and Jones, the hope is that none of the players will miss an extended period.

  • The Nuggets can clinch the playoffs on Monday, March 28, 2026.
  • Denver defeated the Golden State Warriors in their most recent game on Sunday.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The Nuggets' franchise star, who has cemented his status as one of the best players in NBA history.

Aaron Gordon

The Nuggets' forward who sat out the previous game with a calf injury but is expected to return soon.

Cam Johnson

The Nuggets' player who left the Warriors game with a back injury and is currently listed as day-to-day.

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What they’re saying

“It's just been so funny this year has been like that. It's never a guard and a forward, or a guard and a center. It's like, it's just the whole (position) group goes out.”

— Adelman, Nuggets Head Coach

What’s next

The Nuggets will continue to monitor the health of their injured players and hope to secure a top-four seed in the Western Conference playoffs to gain home-court advantage in the first round.

The takeaway

Despite the injury concerns, the Nuggets' impressive season has them on the brink of clinching a playoff berth for the eighth consecutive year. Their championship pedigree and Jokic's continued excellence make them a team no one will want to face in the postseason.