Former NBA guard Jeff Teague believes the Denver Nuggets remain the team to beat in the Western Conference – and he didn’t hesitate to put a prediction on it.

“I’m going to be honest, if Jokic and them are fully healthy, they are going to 4-2 OKC,” Teague said in a recent podcast. “They already took them to seven games last year and they were not healthy with some injuries here and there. I really like this Denver team this year.”

Teague’s confidence isn’t coming out of nowhere. There’s real substance behind his take, especially considering how Denver has looked this season and how much continuity remains from its championship core.

Nikola Jokic is once again playing at an MVP level, averaging a near triple-double while putting up historically efficient numbers. His command of the offense continues to be the foundation of everything Denver does, and when he’s healthy, the Nuggets’ ceiling rises to championship level.

Jamal Murray, meanwhile, may finally earn his long-awaited All-Star selection. He’s averaging career highs across the board and remains the ideal No. 2 option next to Jokic, perfectly complementing Denver’s read-and-react style with his shot-making and playmaking.

Around them, Denver’s supporting cast has quietly taken meaningful steps forward. Aaron Gordon has improved as a three-point shooter while continuing to provide physicality, toughness, and elite off-ball movement. Christian Braun, fresh off a contract extension, has developed strong chemistry with Jokic. Cam Johnson, brought in to replace Michael Porter Jr., has seamlessly filled his role as a spacer and cutter, maximizing his impact without disrupting the offense.

Off the bench, free-agent additions Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, and Jonas Valanciunas have given Denver reliable depth, shoring up areas that were tested during last year’s postseason run.

Perhaps the biggest revelation this season has been Peyton Watson. His growth on both ends of the floor has been noticeable, and with Jokic missing time, Watson has stepped up offensively, giving Denver another viable option and further stabilizing the rotation.

When you combine roster depth, continuity, and elite chemistry, it’s easy to see why Teague views the Nuggets as Oklahoma City’s biggest obstacle. If Denver stays healthy, they may very well be the Thunder’s toughest challenge in the race to return to the Western Conference Finals – and possibly punch another ticket to the NBA Finals.