The Denver Nuggets in the 2006 NBA play-offs

Ten years ago, the statement "the Nuggets are in the play-offs" would have been followed by a chuckle or two. But after the 2006 play-off standings were set today, the Nuggets are the third seed in the West and will face off against the LA Clippers on Saturday at 10:30pm.

Many not sure how the Nuggs will do, including Charles Barkley who says, "this is the most wide-open I've ever seen the NBA playoffs. If the Clippers make it to the Western Conference finals, I wouldn't be shocked, and if Denver makes it to the Western Conference finals I wouldn't be shocked. " (ESPN.com). Chris Sheridan, ESPN writer, predicts the Clippers will take the Nuggets in 7 games, even though they haven't made it to the second round in 30 seasons.

In the West, 2005 defending champions the San Antonio Spurs face the Kings, 2005 MVP Steve Nash and the Suns face Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, the Grizzlies try to match up against Dirk Nowitzki and his Dallas Mavericks and of course the Clippers and the Nuggets.

In the East, the Bucks play Chauncey Billups and his Pistons, Good 'ole Shaq will bring his Heat against the Bulls, Pacers and Nets and the Wizards face LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Denver Nuggets have been quite successful since its make-over a few years ago and of course since they signed Carmello Anthony from Syracuse. But George Karl and Mr. Kroenke obviously expect a little more and hope to bring home a Championship.