Nuggets Playoff Scenarios With One Game Remaining

Denver controls its own destiny heading into the final day of the regular season

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:40pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting overlapping basketball players and court lines in a vibrant color palette, conceptually representing the complex playoff scenarios facing the Denver Nuggets.With the playoffs on the horizon, the Nuggets' final regular-season positioning will set the stage for a challenging postseason run.Denver Today

The Denver Nuggets have one game left in the regular season and are in a tight race for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. With a win over the San Antonio Spurs, the Nuggets will lock up the third seed. However, they could still finish fourth if they lose and the Los Angeles Lakers win their final game. The Nuggets would face either the Minnesota Timberwolves or Houston Rockets in the first round depending on the final standings.

Why it matters

The Nuggets' playoff positioning will determine their first-round opponent, which could have a significant impact on their postseason run. Finishing third would set up a matchup with the Timberwolves, while fourth place would mean facing the Rockets. The Nuggets have recent history with both teams, making the stakes even higher.

The details

The Nuggets currently sit in third place in the West with a 53-28 record, one game ahead of the Lakers. Denver will face the Spurs in their regular-season finale, while the Lakers take on the Jazz. If the Nuggets win, they lock up the third seed. If they lose and the Lakers win, Denver falls to fourth. The Nuggets would face the Timberwolves in the first round if they finish third, or the Rockets if they finish fourth.

  • The Nuggets' final regular-season game is on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • The Lakers' final regular-season game is also on Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Denver Nuggets

An NBA team based in Denver, Colorado that competes in the Western Conference.

Los Angeles Lakers

An NBA team based in Los Angeles, California that competes in the Western Conference.

San Antonio Spurs

An NBA team based in San Antonio, Texas that competes in the Western Conference.

Minnesota Timberwolves

An NBA team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota that competes in the Western Conference.

Houston Rockets

An NBA team based in Houston, Texas that competes in the Western Conference.

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What’s next

The Nuggets' final regular-season game against the Spurs on Sunday, April 13, 2026 will determine their playoff seeding in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

The Nuggets have a chance to secure the third seed in the West with a win over the Spurs, but could fall to fourth if they lose and the Lakers win. Either way, Denver will face a tough first-round matchup against either the Timberwolves or Rockets, setting up a challenging path to the Western Conference Finals.