On Tuesday night, head coach Michael Malone called a loss to the San Antonio Spurs a "wasted opportunity" with the chance to clinch a postseason berth. The Denver Nuggets have a chance to right that wrong, but they need to go through the Memphis Grizzlies to do it.
The Grizzlies have won 11 of their last 13 games, cementing themselves as the No. 2 seed in a top-heavy Western Conference. Even more impressively, they've done this without young superstar Ja Morant.
This gives Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets a great test as they look to secure their place in the NBA Playoffs.
After a remarkable performance against the Spurs, Jokić has another opportunity to put himself at the top of the Most Valuable Player race. Over his last 17 games, Jokić is averaging 32.0 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 7.8 assists on 62.2 percent from the field.
However, in order to continue his recent success, he'll need to outwork one of the league's stingiest defenses. The Grizzlies have the No. 5-ranked defense in the NBA, anchored by the front-court duo of Steven Adams and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jokić should have some great help in the form of Aaron Gordon, who is coming off of a strong game of his own against the Spurs with 18 points and 13 rebounds. With Morant sidelined due to injury, the interior presences of the Nuggets and Grizzlies should be the X-factor.
On the perimeter, Nuggets guards have their hands full with Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones, who have both stepped up in Morant's absence. Monte Morris and Will Barton struggled from the field against the Spurs, but getting back on track could provide a massive boost for Denver.
Coach Malone is also hopeful to be more reliant on his second unit. He criticized his bench on Tuesday after a difficult stint in the second quarter, but an improved sense of urgency can easily change the course of a game.
With only two games remaining in the regular season, there remains plenty to fight for. A win ensures the Nuggets won't see the Play-In Tournament, earning themselves a full week off before beginning their quest for a championship.
Memphis Grizzlies (55-24, second in the Western Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (47-33, sixth in the Western Conference)
Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado; Thursday, April 7; 7:00 p.m. MST