You can’t understate how important a win would be for the Nuggets tonight. They face the Rockets, who boast the best current record league wide with 9 dubs on the trot. A win for Houston will not only add a high-profile Denver Nuggets to their victim list, but also extend the gap between two of the top three of the West.
Such an occasion calls on for a two-time MVP like Nikola Jokic, especially after yet another record breaking season on the horizon. He’s missed their last three games, which has coincided with the 2-game losing streak the Nuggets are on right now. Will he be available tonight at the Toyota Center?
Nuggets injury report ahead of Rockets clash
The NBA will never witness another presence like Nikola Jokic again. Not just his on-court masterclasses, but the way he handles himself, the reputation of the ‘Joker’ that he has embodied- all point to another one in the LeBron and Curry category. He might just become the third player ever to average a triple-double a game over the course of a whole season. With his box numbers of 29.1/12.8/10.3, that seems more likely than not. But the Nuggets’ defensive problems have clashed with the Joker’s absence due to a left ankle injury. Look away Nuggets fans, as Jokic is set to be out for the Rockets clash tonight as well.
If not for their attack, the Mile High City would be in the trenches right now. But a unique situation presents themselves tonight, as 3/5 of their starters are all probable for the game tonight- Jamal Murray, Christrian Braun, and Aaron Gordon.
Aside from Jokic, Murray is the only other Nuggets player of the season contender. A statline of 21.3/3.8/6 shooting 47.5% speaks for itself. But he’s also missed 2 of the last 3 games due to a right ankle sprain, only coming back for the recent Blazers loss in their last game. Prioritising his long-term health, he’s listed on a day-to-day-basis.
Jan 21, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and guard Russell Westbrook (4) in the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Aaron Gordon has been in and out of the squad this season due to a multitude of injuries. The recent most is a deadly dual combo, as he was seen nursing a right calf management and left ankle sprain. He’s on a day-to-day, as is Braun. Christian has really come to life this season, nearly doubling all his box numbers from last season. But a left foot strain could see a man averaging 15.1/5 shooting 57.5% missing tonight.
Nuggets predicted lineup for Rockets clash
Injuries have been Michael Malone’s achilles heel this season. DaRon Holmes II is already set to miss the season due to his own Achilles problem. So will guard Julian Strawther due to a left knee sprain. Taking that into account, this is the Nuggets’ predicted lineup at Houston tonight:
Point Guard
Russell Westbrook
Shooting Guard
Jalen Pickett
Power Forward
Peyton Watson
Small Forward
Michael Porter Jr.
Center
Zeke Nnaji
It’s a huge match for both the teams tonight. The Nuggets are 5/5 in the last 10, while the Rockets need to add a high-profile team to their winning streak to silence the haters. Will the Mile High City fly high in Texas, or will the Rockets cook the Nuggets till kingdom come?
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