The Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies enter Monday’s matchup with significant roster concerns, as multiple starters and rotation players are sidelined due to injuries. Both teams are adjusting lineups ahead of their first meeting of the 2025-26 season.
Denver will be without Christian Braun (left ankle sprain), Aaron Gordon (right hamstring strain), and Julian Strawther (lower back injury management).
Nikola Jokic continues to lead the team with averages of 30.4 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per game, while Jamal Murray contributes 22.8 points and 6.7 assists per outing.
The Nuggets come off a narrow 123-128 home loss to the Sacramento Kings on November 22 after a 112-109 road victory over the Houston Rockets. Denver’s current record stands at 12-4.
Memphis is dealing with extensive absences, including Ja Morant (right calf strain), Brandon Clarke (right knee surgery recovery), Ty Jerome (right calf strain), Javon Small (left toe turf toe), and Scotty Pippen Jr. (left great toe surgery recovery). Jaren Jackson Jr. is listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain.
Despite these setbacks, the Grizzlies have won their last two games, including a 102-96 road victory over the Dallas Mavericks and a dominant 137-96 home win against the Sacramento Kings.
Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant each average 17.9 points, while Santi Aldama adds 13.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Memphis holds a 6-11 record with a two-game winning streak.
Monday’s game tips off at 8:00 PM ET at FedExForum in Memphis.
