The Brooklyn Nets visit the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, January 29, at Ball Arena with both teams managing multiple injuries.
Denver sits third in the West at 31-16, while Brooklyn is 13th in the East at 12-33.
Nikola Jokic is out with a left knee bone bruise, removing the Nuggets’ leading scorer and rebounder who averages 29.6 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. Jamal Murray is probable with right hamstring and left hip inflammation, giving Denver a partial boost at point guard.
Other key Nuggets sidelined include Aaron Gordon (right hamstring), Cameron Johnson (right knee), Christian Braun (left ankle), and Tamar Bates (left foot surgery). Jonas Valanciunas is probable with a right calf strain, which could limit Denver’s interior depth.
Brooklyn’s lineup is similarly depleted, with Noah Clowney (back), Cam Thomas (left hamstring), Haywood Highsmith (right knee), and Ziaire Williams (left calf) all out. Terance Mann is questionable with back soreness, further thinning the Nets’ wing rotation.
Nets two-way players Tyson Etienne and Chaney Johnson remain in the G League, while Egor Demin and Noah Clowney are sidelined due to injury management.
Michael Porter Jr. will lead the Nets in scoring, averaging 25.2 points per game, but supporting cast limitations may hinder Brooklyn’s ability to match Denver’s depth. Nic Claxton’s presence in the frontcourt remains vital for rebounds and rim protection.
The Nuggets rely on Peyton Watson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bruce Brown to offset Jokic’s absence, with Watson averaging 14.4 points and Brown contributing 7.3 points and 4.2 rebounds.
