The Denver Nuggets were the second-most profitable NBA team for bettors last season, according to a recent study. Wagering $100 on Denver to win every regular season game would have yielded a profit of $1,477.84, an 18.02% return on investment. This strong financial performance comes as the team rides a three-game winning streak, most recently defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 136-119 on April 9, 2026.
Researchers calculated the outcome of a consistent $100 wager on a single team to win every game. Denver's 54-28 campaign proved exceptionally valuable. Only the San Antonio Spurs, with a 62-20 record and a 28.69% ROI, finished ahead. The Spurs generated $2,352.84 in earnings under the same model.
Denver's placement is notable because it outpaced teams with superior win totals. The Detroit Pistons finished 60-22 but ranked third with $1,273.05 in profit. The Boston Celtics, at 56-26, returned $1,110.58 to bettors. That's nearly $370 less than the Nuggets' total.
These comparisons show standings don't directly determine betting profitability. Historical game-by-game odds influenced each victory's payout. Denver's success against the spread allowed them to generate a larger return than teams with better records.
The outcome placed Denver well above other championship contenders from that season. The Los Angeles Lakers completed the top five with $978.56 in profit from a 53-29 record. Denver was one of only three NBA teams to clear $1,200 in profit under the study's approach.
For anyone who consistently backed the Nuggets, 54 victories translated into the league's second-largest payout. The research placed Denver between two 60-win teams, but their value at the sportsbook separated them from nearly every other franchise. This highlights how the team's performance often exceeded public expectations.
The Nuggets are currently on a three-game winning run. Their recent form in the last five games is 3 wins and 2 losses (WWWLL). After losses to the Memphis Grizzlies (125-118 on March 19, 2026) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (125-93 on May 18, 2025), they have strung together impressive victories.
They beat the Phoenix Suns 125-123 on March 25, 2026, followed by a 116-93 win over the Golden State Warriors on March 30. The latest triumph was the 136-119 result against Memphis. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matchups on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
This current momentum echoes the consistent, undervalued performance identified in the betting study. While past profitability doesn't predict future results, it shows a pattern of the Nuggets delivering strong returns. The team continues to be a formidable force on the court, as shown by their recent high-scoring performances.
