Best Podcasts on Denver Nuggets Playoff Hopes
Updated: Mar 10, 2026 – 9 episodes
The Denver Nuggets are grappling with significant playoff concerns following a recent loss to the Knicks, compounded by Jamal Murray's injury. Both Ryen Russillo and Bill Simmons highlight the team's inconsistent performances and defensive lapses, questioning their ability to contend for a championship this season as the playoffs approach.
Three very different takes here — start with The Zach Lowe Show for a critical look at the Denver Nuggets' defense post-All-Star break. Zach Lowe argues their defensive improvements are overstated, making it a must-listen for skeptics. For a balanced perspective, The Bill Simmons Podcast discusses the team's potential if injuries are managed, highlighting Jokic's brilliance. Club Shay Shay offers a bearish view, focusing on the Nuggets' need for a consistent third scoring option. These episodes provide a comprehensive view of the Nuggets' playoff prospects.
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Ridealong has curated the best podcasts and clips about Denver Nuggets Face Playoff Doubts Amid Injuries and Defensive Struggles. Listen now.
Podcast Episodes Covering This Story
“Their defensive numbers were okay in those games, just okay. Eye test was worse than okay for me in both of those games. And there was this idea that their defense had really rebounded since the All-Star break, and it's really based on two games... I don't think their defense has leveled up really at all in any meaningful way.”
Ridealong summary
The Denver Nuggets' defense has not improved meaningfully since the All-Star break, and their recent performances raise doubts about their playoff readiness despite having Jokic and Murray.
“"I think the defense stinks and um that's tough but for me it's health is just a huge component here... I love Jokic I can't quit this guy he's still so phenomenal that that game he had against the Celtics without Jamal Murray in the second half was just like, I am the best player on the planet."”
Ridealong summary
Despite current struggles, the Denver Nuggets' potential remains high if they can overcome injuries and defensive issues, with Jokic's brilliance still a key factor.
“But they just got to find a third option because you know exactly what you're going to get from Yoke. And sometimes people just go, look, we can't stop this man. Yoke is going to get somewhere between 30 and 40... We just can't let him get 40, 20, 20. That's what we got to stop. So we're not going to stop him from getting those, you know, 28, 29, 30 points.”
Ridealong summary
The Denver Nuggets' playoff hopes are dim due to their inability to find a consistent third scoring option and defensive lapses that allow opponents to capitalize.
“My biggest takeaway from that game was just Jamal Murray, because this was the Jamal Murray that we saw in the bubble. This is the Jamal Murray that we saw in the championship run. Like, you know, for this team to be considered title contenders you going to need Murray to play like this last night. And they were dominant. Just absolutely dominant. The two of them. Best duo in the league. Easily.”
Ridealong summary
Despite recent struggles, the Denver Nuggets' dominant duo of Jokic and Murray can still position them as title contenders if they maintain their performance level.
“I'm still unconvinced about their ability to guard in a really high level spot in the playoffs with the roster they have. They're going to have to prove they can do that. They also are a team that's going to struggle to shoot the ball, especially outside of Austin and Luca. Those are the two questions. Can the other guys hit shots and can they guard enough?”
Ridealong summary
The Denver Nuggets' playoff success hinges on overcoming defensive weaknesses and shooting inconsistencies, which currently cast doubt on their championship viability.
“When Denver's healthy should they just start Peyton Watson and bring Cam Johnson off the bench if not in general then for this specific matchup to have him guard SGA and just deal with the shooting downgrade you are swallowing by starting Brown Watson and Gordon all together... Peyton Watson's going to stop SGA, but his length and his quickness, I think, is their only shot at anything other than like a complete gimmick defense.”
Ridealong summary
Denver's playoff success hinges on strategic lineup changes, particularly involving Peyton Watson and Cam Johnson, to address defensive challenges against top teams.
“For me the other team the two other teams on the West that I really like and I feel like it could be a potential conference finals in the West it'll be San Antonio Spurs and the Denver Nuggets. I mean, if the Denver Nuggets are able to be healthy and Jokic is able to be healthy, I think they're going to have a shot at OKC.”
Ridealong summary
If the Denver Nuggets can maintain their health, they have a strong chance to contend in the Western Conference finals.
“I am now in the, hey, Denver, just fall to six and get everybody healthy... Are you still... Do you still have faith in the Denver fully healthy? Is it juggernaut? Or are you starting to wobble on like, well, we just haven't seen a lot of Cam Johnson. Oh, I'm wobbling. I wrote down in my... One of them is Denver possible year from mini-hell.”
Ridealong summary
Denver should prioritize health over playoff seeding, as their current struggles resemble a 'year from mini-hell' but could still lead to a strong playoff run if players recover.
“"The Nuggets have been kind of like, eh, like trying to get their feet under them. It's hard to know who's going to be healthy for them and when. They're still finding their way. The Rockets have fallen off a cliff. The Timberwolves are out in the wilderness."”
Ridealong summary
The Nuggets are struggling to find their footing due to injuries and inconsistent performances, casting doubt on their playoff viability.