Nuggets return with tempered expectations

Why it matters: Denver enters the 2026-27 season far from underdogs, but slightly removed from their usual pedestal among the NBA's elite.

• The team's title odds are a long shot, tied for the seventh-best in the league with three other teams, per DraftKings.

Yes, but: The Nuggets are still led by Nikola Jokić. ESPN ranked the 31-year-old Serbian center as the NBA's top player for the third consecutive year.

• He led the league in rebounds and assists per game last year — the first NBA player to do so.

What they're saying: "I would say that our expectation is trying to get in the top six," Nuggets' head coach David Adelman reportedly said during practice Monday.

Between the lines: Point guard Jamal Murray will shoot for an encore of last year's All-Star campaign, while forward Aaron Gordon will need to stay healthy to give the Nuggets a defensive presence.

• Key new additions include NBA veteran DeMar DeRozan, EuroLeague stalwart Alpha Diallo and rookie Trevon Brazile.

What's next: The Nuggets open the NBA season at 7:30pm Thursday against the Oklahoma City Thunder on ESPN.