With the 2013 version of the NBA playoffs merely a matter of days away, the Denver Nuggets have assured themselves of home-court edge in the first round, because of a 112-111 win on Monday night contrary to the Milwaukee Bucks. With the Nuggets set to perform their first-round game against both the Golden State Warriors (the much more likely of the two possible outcomes) or the Memphis Grizzlies (this would require the Nuggets to drop their final contest, while the Los Angeles Clippers would have to gain their final two regular-season games), they will certainly be considered heavy favorites to progress to at least the 2nd round of the Western Conference playoffs. With Ty Lawson back in the collection and in good form (he tallied seven assists, 26 items and five panels in 38 minutes) after playing just three games because being wounded, Denver is prepared to produce a force for the NBA Finals. Despite dropping Danilo Gallinari for the year with a ACL, the Nuggets provide an unbelievable arsenal of of expertise at both ends of the ground. Most of us understand that Ty Lawson, Andre Iguodala and Wilson Chandler is going to be relied upon to provide a lot of Denver's offense. The question is, who're the role players that can actually help propel the Nuggets to another location round of playoff competition? Evan Fournier Doug Pensinger/Getty Images Interestingly enough, rookie guard Evan Fournier has just played significantly less than 18 minutes once within the last few eight games. This 1 time? Denver's 108-105 overtime loss to the Dallas Mavericks. It is also the only real game the Nuggets have lost within their last eight. Now, I'm not wanting to suggest that the Nuggets can not get without the French young weapon, that will be ridiculous. But, since receiving increased minutes, the 6'6" youngster has made the absolute most of his opportunities. In Denver's last seven tilts, Fournier has averaged almost 21 minutes per game, putting up typically 12.6 items, 2.8 helps and 2.3 boards over that amount. He is also averaged over a steal per game (11 in his last ten fits), while turning the ball over only 10 times (his assist to turnover rate is better than 2:1). Meanwhile, the apparently unfazed novice has also drilled almost 40 percent of his shots from beyond-the-arc and struck a cool 17-of-18 free throws (best for a share of more than 94 percent). With Gallinari out, Fournier's capability to continue steadily to perform only at that stage will undoubtedly be critical for Denver. Not to mention, having somebody who could hit free punches will undoubtedly be important to close out all-important playoff activities, especially considering the team is among the worst in the category from the charity stripe. Corey Brewer Doug Pensinger/Getty Photos Corey Brewer could be the greatest one of the Nuggets' most critical parts. See, when planning for the Nuggets, opposite clubs almost need to choose their poison. It is nearly impossible to avoid the complete first unit, along with Andre Miller, JaVale McGee and Corey Brewer. At some time, some body will likely be operational. When Ty Lawson uses his pace to rush in to the lane and the defense collapses down on him, Brewer is frequently the person left open on the perimeter. After all, when groups have to help on defense and leave either him or Wilson Chandler open for a jumper, they are almost always going to supply the shot to Brewer. That is suited Brewer just fine, as he is hit double figures in six of his last ten games off the table and has been an important item for Denver in 2013. Despite shooting just 1-of-11 in his last two challenges, Brewer is a crucial part of Denver's great depth. If he's able to knock down his open images in the postseason, there's no telling how far this Nuggets team can get. Kenneth Faried Doug Pensinger/Getty Pictures The best wild card, or X-Factor, for this group make for the grind of the 2013 NBA playoffs and as they summary their regular season, is energy forward Kenneth Faried. Based on the Denver Nuggets' standard facebook bill, Faried may skip the final two regular-season games with a ankle, but he's not been eliminated of any playoff activity only yet: If Faried were to miss some activity, it would hurt the team in a big way on the glass at both ends of the ground. Because the team's top rebounder, Faried is really a animal on the glass despite being small. He also ranks among the league's top offensive rebounders, placing over three per game. If he's unfit to play, Denver might have a real problem equally on the glass and in the power department. Hopefully Faried's foot is feeling better for the team's playoff opener.
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