Nuggets Embrace Playoff Uncertainty Ahead of Season Finale

Denver coach David Adelman says the team is not worried about their first-round matchup.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:51am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or playoff competition, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the Nuggets' postseason journey.The Nuggets' playoff path is filled with uncertainty, but the team is embracing the challenge rather than trying to control their matchups.Denver Today

With one game left in the regular season, the Denver Nuggets have multiple playoff scenarios in play. They could face either the Minnesota Timberwolves or Houston Rockets in the first round, depending on the outcome of their game against the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers' result. However, Nuggets head coach David Adelman says the team is not concerned about controlling their playoff matchup, believing there are no easy opponents in the Western Conference.

Why it matters

The Nuggets are aiming for the highest possible playoff seed, which would allow them to potentially avoid facing the Oklahoma City Thunder until later in the postseason. But Adelman believes the team should focus on its own health and performance rather than worrying about the specific first-round opponent.

The details

If the Nuggets win their final game or the Lakers lose, Denver will secure the third seed and face the Timberwolves. If the Nuggets lose and the Lakers win, Denver will fall to the fourth seed and play the Rockets. Adelman says the team is not trying to manipulate their playoff matchup, noting that both the Timberwolves and Rockets could pose challenges. He believes the Nuggets will have a difficult path to the NBA Finals regardless of their first-round opponent.

  • The Nuggets' regular season finale is on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • The NBA playoffs will begin shortly after the conclusion of the regular season.

The players

David Adelman

Head coach of the Denver Nuggets.

Nikola Jokic

Star player for the Denver Nuggets who has been listed as questionable for the season finale.

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What they’re saying

“The matchups with those teams, I'll be honest, there's so much unknown. I think people need to calm down with 'Let's play the Lakers.' If Luka comes back and feels good, do you want to play Luka Doncic? Like, I think you're messing with the game when you think like that.”

— David Adelman, Head Coach

“Us and Minnesota, it's been a crazy back-and-forth over the years. They swept us last year, but we beat them three out of four this year. We always know it's competitive with them. And then obviously Houston. I mean, they're playing so well right now. I think they've won seven or eight games in a row. So there's no good opponent in my opinion. I think you just have to play it out with decisions that are best for your team.”

— David Adelman, Head Coach

What’s next

The Nuggets will play their final regular season game against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, April 13, 2026. Their first-round playoff opponent will be determined by the outcome of that game and the Los Angeles Lakers' result.

The takeaway

The Nuggets are taking a pragmatic approach to the playoffs, focusing on their own health and performance rather than trying to manipulate their first-round matchup. Adelman believes there are no easy opponents in the Western Conference, so the team is better off embracing the uncertainty and playing to their strengths.