Fri. Apr. 17: Avs draw Kings in the first round | Nuggets vs. Timberwolves series preview | Sean Payton & George Paton on NFL Draft

The Hot Takes podcast kicks off with a lively discussion on the Colorado Avalanche's historic 121-point regular season and their favorable first-round matchup against the LA Kings, who struggled with scoring and had the second-worst regulation wins in the NHL. The hosts praise the Avs' depth, health, and perfect playoff setup, predicting a quick series. They then shift to the Denver Nuggets, who enter the playoffs on a 12-game winning streak with a healthy starting five, despite Peyton Watson’s absence due to injury. The hosts express confidence in the Nuggets, highlighting Nikola Jokic’s dominance over the Timberwolves and the importance of bench contributors like Jamal Murray and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. They debate whether the Nuggets’ offensive firepower can overcome defensive lapses, ultimately picking them to win in six games. The segment concludes with a deep dive into the Broncos’ upcoming NFL Draft, where Sean Payton and George Paton confirm they won’t trade up and are focused on mid-to-late round picks. The hosts analyze the draft’s quarterback-heavy narrative, cautioning against overvaluing it, and evaluate potential targets like Jadarian Price and Jacob Rodriguez, while questioning the long-term value of luxury picks like Eli Stowers. They also discuss Evan Ingram’s declining role and the need for depth at tight end, ultimately framing the draft as a strategic, not urgent, priority for the Broncos in their Super Bowl window.