The Denver Nuggets got back in the win column Thursday night with a 107-97 victory over the Washington Wizards, snapping a brief two-game skid. But there’s no time to savor the moment - they’re right back at it Friday night in Milwaukee, closing out another back-to-back set. And given the current state of the roster, especially the injury report, this might be a good time for Denver to pump the brakes and prioritize the long haul.
Let’s start with Jamal Murray. The Nuggets’ floor general has been grinding through the season, doing everything he can to keep the team steady in Nikola Jokic’s absence.
But now he’s listed as questionable for Friday with a laundry list of issues - ankle, knee, and hamstring. That’s not just wear and tear; that’s a flashing red light.
Murray’s competitive fire is never in question, but this is the kind of stretch where the smart play might be to sit him down, let the body heal, and focus on being fresh for the postseason push. January wins matter, sure - but not at the cost of your second-best player limping into April.
He’s not the only one banged up. Peyton Watson, who’s been one of the few bright spots during Jokic’s absence, is also questionable.
Watson took a couple of hard spills Thursday night and is now dealing with pain in both ankles. That’s a tough blow for a player who’s been stepping up on both ends of the floor.
Like Murray, his availability against Milwaukee is very much in the air - and again, Denver has to weigh short-term needs against long-term health.
Jonas Valanciunas is in a similar boat. The veteran big man made his return Thursday after missing 11 games with a calf injury.
He looked solid in limited minutes - just over 21 - but he’s still on a restriction, and pushing him into a back-to-back might be asking for trouble. The Nuggets have enough frontcourt depth to manage one night without him, especially if the goal is to have him ramped up and ready for the stretch run.
As for the rest of the injury report, it’s a mixed bag. Nikola Jokic remains out, but the signs are encouraging.
He was seen getting some shots up before Thursday’s game in Washington, and Monday will mark four weeks since he suffered the knee injury. That timeline puts him on track for a potential return soon - and not a moment too soon, given how much of the offense runs through him.
Cam Johnson is also progressing well and could be back in early February, but Christian Braun is the bigger question mark. He returned briefly from his ankle sprain, played three games, and was then sent home from the road trip.
There’s no official setback reported, but clearly, the ankle didn’t respond the way the team had hoped. There’s no timetable for his return, and that’s a concern for a team that’s leaned on his energy and defense off the bench.
One bit of good news: Aaron Gordon is listed as probable. He’s been managing a hamstring issue but has looked sharp since returning to the lineup. Unless there’s a late change, he should be good to go Friday - though given the overall state of the roster, it wouldn’t be shocking if the Nuggets opt to give some of their vets a breather against the Bucks.
Bottom line: This is the kind of stretch where Denver’s depth and decision-making get tested. The standings are tight, but the real prize is a healthy roster come playoff time. If that means sacrificing a regular-season game or two to let the core regroup, it might be a trade worth making.