With only nine games remaining, currently sitting two games back of the Utah Jazz for the eighth spot in the playoffs, every game matters for the Denver Nuggets. The same urgency does not exist for the Toronto Raptors. Up three games, with only a handful remaining, it would take a total collapse for the Celtics to grab the first seed.
If the Nuggets are not able to make the playoffs this season, it would be an unquestionable failure. After missing the post-season for four consecutive years, Denver figured to finally have the roster to make it back this season.