Denver Nuggets

48-34, lost in conference first-round series

Overview: Here’s an example of just how much Jamal Murray was missed: Introduced before a preseason home game, the Nuggets all rushed over to swarm him. That’s the level of respect the team has for its point guard, who’s back on the court for the first time since tearing his left ACL on April 12, 2021. The band is back together as Murray rejoins back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic. Along with Michael Porter

Jr., who was limited to nine games last season due to his balky back, they’re ready to pick up where they left off when Murray and Porter were healthy. The trio led the Nuggets to the Western Conference finals inside the bubble in 2020. It may take some time for Denver to round back into that form. The Nuggets’ over-under is set at 51 ½ wins, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, with a plus-2000 to capture the NBA title (the Celtics are at plus-600).“It’s a different vibe since we got some of our guys back,” said forward Aaron Gordon, whose team opens the season at Utah on Oct. 19. This roster was assembled in large part because Denver didn’t have Murray and Porter last season. It gave coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth a chance to evaluate the team through “a different lens,” Booth said.

Quote: “I think when you have guys like Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., it’s easier to overlook some of your flaws,” added Booth.