The Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets face key injury challenges ahead of Friday’s NBA Cup matchup at the Toyota Center.
Denver will be without Christian Braun, sidelined with a left ankle sprain, while Aaron Gordon is listed as probable managing bilateral hamstring issues.
Houston’s injury report is more extensive, with Fred VanVleet out following ACL repair and Dorian Finney-Smith sidelined due to left ankle surgery. Steven Adams and Jabari Smith Jr. are questionable with ankle and knee tendinopathy, while Tari Eason remains out with a right oblique strain.
Nikola Jokic continues to anchor Denver with 29.1 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 11.1 assists per game. Jamal Murray contributes 22.5 points and 6.2 assists, and Gordon adds 20.3 points when healthy.
Houston will rely on Kevin Durant’s 25.5 points per game and Alperen Sengun’s 23.4 points and 10.4 rebounds. Amen Thompson adds 16.8 points and 5.2 assists per game.
Both teams are coming off wins. Denver (11-3) defeated the Pelicans 125-118, bouncing back after a close 130-127 loss to the Bulls. Houston has won back-to-back games, beating the Cavaliers 114-104 and the Magic 117-113, bringing their record to 10-3.
This matchup marks the first meeting between the Nuggets and Rockets this season. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 PM ET at the Toyota Center.
