How important is Denver - Dallas game for both teams?

You have to admit that the Mavericks are not the same Mavericks team we saw last year, their bench is producing and there are guys who we are still waiting to show up.

As you know, if the standings don't change much, this two teams might face each other in the 2nd round of the playoffs as 2nd and 3rd.

Which team do you think will go to the Western Conference Finals and with a 95% chance of facing the Lakers?
Dallas or Denver?

Who's your pick? Why?
Predict the final score of tonights game, and if these two teams, meet in the 2nd round, who would win and in how many games?

I'll go with Dallas because they have much better team chemistry and have outplayed them in the past. Dallas has remained hot while Nugs are kind of in a slump.

Final Score: Dallas 112 Denver 105

And if they met in the 2nd round...well, Denver in 6 because they have the homecourt advantage as of now, Melo finally hit his prime, and the Nuggets are a better team in the playoffs than they are in the regular season.

For tonight and in the post-season against the Mavericks, I predict that the Nuggets would win.
The Nuggets have been slumping but I feel that tonight will be a comeback night for this team - plus Chauncey is back I believe so he can rally these guys together and hopefully, get the win tonight. Slumps can always be overcome eventually and I think tonight will be the Nuggets' night.

With regards to the post-season, Chauncey's leadership >> Dirk's leadership so I feel that will play an important factor on why the Nuggets are able to beat the Mavericks in the playoffs. If Dirk can finally step up into a role of leadership though, then I feel this team has a better chance of advancing.