The Nuggets are better with Millsap back in their lineup. Look for Denver to lock-up a playoff spot.
Paul Millsap has returned to the Mile High City at just the right time–with only 15 games left in the regular season–and the Nuggets in the midst of a playoff run.
Millsap is coming off a wrist injury that had sidelined him since November. And even though he’s playing restricted minutes–no more than 30 minutes a game–he’s already making an impact, especially on the defensive end.
In Denver’s 130-104 win against the Kings (March 11), Millsap had 9 rebounds, 6 points, and 4 assists in 24 minutes.
His return comes none too soon. “I felt the longer I wait [to start him, Millsap], it’s just going to create another adjustment period,” said head coach Michael Malone.
While the Nuggets have shown that they can compete with NBA contenders–having registered wins this season against the Warriors, Thunder, Cavs, and Spurs–the competition is fierce in the highly contested Western Conference. Only 3.5 games separate #3 Portland from #8 Denver (as of March 11).
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Data updated as of March 12. Sources: MSN.com, Basketball-Reference.com, Rotoworld.com