If only Denver didn't have such a cupcake schedule this week with Minnesota and GS at home, we could separate ourselves from them. But next week, they've got @ Dallas, @ Houston, Cleveland, @ Phoenix, and two games against us. Hopefully the Nuggets stumble soon.. they concern me a bit.
Here's what's concerning me: #9 Phoenix is only TWO and a HALF games behind #2 Portland. No room for Portland (or anyone else in top 9 in the west) to relax. Our next two games are Orlando @Utah but then we have some games we SHOULD win.
The Nuggets almost concern me more than Utah. Utah, on paper, seems deeper to me. But Denver has played quite well since acquiring Billups, and I feel Denver has played a fairly tough schedule thus far. Of the three teams, Utah has probably had the easiest schedule.
Utah has missed significant time from Williams, Boozer and Okur, though. Even if they've had an easier schedule, assuming they're able to get to full strength I fear them much more than I do Denver. Ed O.
In some ways I agree that Utah is more scary. I guess my biggest fear with Denver is you can never underestimate how a trade can rejuvenate and revitalize a team, especially when you're talking at a key position like PG. I feel like Utah is a known factor, while Denver is not. Denver could be really good, or they could combust with all the knuckleheads they have. Beyond the next season or two, I'm more concerned about Utah, as they're a fairly young team with lots of pieces.
Denver only concerns me because I didn't expect them to make the playoffs after their piss-poor showing last year against LA. But it looks like they're going to be there, and are a lot better with Chauncey. Utah, I expected them to be there anyway. But Denver is taking up another playoff spot that the race that'll go down to the wire.
