Oddsmakers have Nuggets winning near 50 games despite slow offseason

The Denver Nuggets have won at least 50 games each of the last four seasons.

That’s what happens when a three-time MVP in Nikola Jokic is leading the squad. In fact, Jokic could have five or six NBA MVPs, but that’s a conversation for a different day.

And while Jokic won’t be signing a massive contract extension this summer, he’ll return for the 2026-27 season. As of now Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun will join Jokic.

The future of Peyton Watson is murky and the Nuggets have had an underwhelming offseason, but there’s still a lot of talent on the roster. That’s why it wasn’t a surprise where Denver landed when the oddsmakers released over / under win totals on Wednesday.

One popular book has the Nuggets over / under set at 49.5 wins this upcoming year. Denver has gone 54-28, 50-32, 57-25 and 53-29 over the last four regular seasons. That final record was in 2022-23 when they won their first and only NBA title.

Head coach David Adelman will be back and likely most of the core. The Nuggets did lose Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Miami Heat and cut Jonas Valanciunas to save money. He’s since signed to play in Europe.

Denver GMs Ben Tenzer and Jonathan Wallace also made a couple of intriguing signings, including a former EuroLeague Defensive Player of the Year and Marvin Bagley III. The Nuggets added two second-round draft picks as well.

This number could shift by a game or two depending on where Watson lands, but for now it’s locked in at 49.5 wins. If Jokic stays healthy, 50 victories (or more) feels like a realistic possibility.

But the Nuggets are also getting older and some wonder if the championship window is rapidly closing. There’s a case to be made that’s indeed happening.

Regardless, Denver should be competitive in the West and in the mix again. It’ll be about staying healthy for the playoffs and seeing if this core has another title run in them.

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