Feb 9, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Nerlens Noel (3) during the game against the Auburn Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Auburn 72-62. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Tuesday marks the 2013 NBA Draft Lottery. Which way the ping pong balls bounce will have a significant role in the future of the league’s lottery teams – as well as the teams who elect to trade into the lottery.

Some general managers and executives around the league feel that there is not a player worthy of the number one pick.

Though there is no consensus number one pick this year, Nerlens Noel boasts strong odds to hear his name called first on draft night.

Noel tore his ACL in February, when he ran into the basket support, trying to block a layup from behind.

The silver lining for a team fortunate enough to be in position to land the top pick, could be a high pick in the 2014 draft.

The 2014 class is loaded, featuring potential studs such as Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, Julius Randle and Marcus Smart.

A team with the patience to draft Noel and let him heal – as of right now, scheduled to return around Christmas – might be landing an all-star big man. But better yet, the team could put itself in a prime position to pair Noel with one of the aforementioned studs of the 2014 class.

A chance to land not one but two all-stars, certainly increases the value of selecting Noel.

While he certainly has his knocks – size, weight, offensive skill set, etc., – seeing this potential scenario unfold is well-worth the risk for quite a few of the team’s in position to get this year’s number one pick…looking at you Charlotte, Orlando and Phoenix.

November 29, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors small forward Harrison Barnes (40) shoots the ball against Denver Nuggets center Kosta Koufos (41, right) during the first quarter at ORACLE Arena. The Warriors defeated the Nuggets 106-105. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

NBA Playoffs 2013

(3) Denver Nuggets VS Golden State Warriors (6)

Regular season record: 57-25 Denver Nuggets : 47-35 Golden State Warriors

Regular season series: Denver Nuggets 3-1 Golden State Warriors

5 Facts:

• Denver scores the highest percentage of its points off the fastbreak in the NBA (19%). Golden State ranks eleventh at 14.6 percent.
• The Warriors score 23.8 percent of their points from beyond the arc (7th in the NBA). The Nuggets allow the NBA’s second-most three-point attempts (22.8).
• Denver has the third-highest percentage of points off turnovers (18.7%). Golden State has the seventh-largest turnover margin (15 per game).
• The Nuggets rank second in field goal attempts (84.2 per game). The Warriors rank eighth (82.9).
• Both teams rank in the top five in pace. Denver: 97.76 : Golden State 96.81

Denver can win if…

The Nuggets play at a breakneck pace and love to get out and run. If Denver can force turnovers and execute in the open court, the team has the ability outscore anyone in the league. The biggest keys for George Karl’s team are defending the three-point line and being able to execute in the half-court. While this figures to be a more up-and-down series, the playoffs are typically about being able to execute in the half court. This becomes magnified in the waning stages of close games. Denver has struggled in this area and the loss of Danilo Gallinari is a big blow. But if those who are healthy are able to step-up in Gallinari’s absence, the West’s three-seed has a good chance of avoiding an upset.

Golden State can win if…

To pull off the upset, the Warriors cannot go cold from long-range, especially in Denver. This young team needs to be able to handle playing at the Pepsi Center, one of the toughest places to play in the NBA. Golden State must protect the basketball and limit turnovers. Allowing Denver to operate in transition is a recipe for disaster. Defensively, the Warriors will need to clamp down. Communication will be key in rotating over to cut off Ty Lawson drives and getting out to contest ensuing three-point attempts. David Lee and Andrew Bogut will have to be extra-aggressive on the boards, working to keep Kenneth Faried, JaVale McGee and Kosta Koufos off the glass.

Prediction:

This will certainly be an entertaining, fast-pace, high scoring series. What is troubling for Golden State is that David Lee struggles when opponents play him physically and neither of the Warriors big men can keep up with Denver’s in transition. Furthermore, Golden State’s young defenders have a tendency to become discombobulated when attempting to defend the fastbreak. If the Nuggets simply play their game, they should be in good shape in the opening round.

Winner: Denver Nuggets 4-2 Golden State Warriors