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Zeke Nnaji Zeke Nnaji posts 11/12 double-double in spot start
Fri, Jan 23, 2026, 7:08 PM
Zeke Nnaji amassed 11 points (4-of-12 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), 12 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one three-pointer in the win over the Bucks on Friday.
Analysis: With Nikola Jokic (knee) and Jonas Valanciunas (calf) out, Nnaji made a spot start and provided the Nuggets with some solid production. In his 37 minutes, he attacked the glass hard to lead Denver in rebounds, and also led them in blocked shots. Additionally, the sixth-year pro scored in double figures to collect his first double-double of the season. He will likely remain the starter at center for as long as Jokic and Valanciunas are out. |
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Tim Hardaway Tim Hardaway Jr. adds 17 points off bench vs. MIL
Fri, Jan 23, 2026, 7:01 PM
Tim Hardaway Jr. produced 17 points (5-of-14 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), four rebounds, two assists and three three-pointers in the win over the Bucks on Friday.
Analysis: Hardaway wasn't the most efficient shooter on Friday, but his scoring was massive in helping the undermanned Nuggets secure a victory. More than half of the field goals he made came from beyond the arc, and he made a couple of big free throws late in this one to help give Denver some cushion. Hardaway has sustained his scoring production throughout the year and has performed really well in January. He's been a nice addition to this Nuggets bench. |
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Julian Strawther Julian Strawther starts, scores 20 Friday vs. MIL
Fri, Jan 23, 2026, 6:55 PM
Julian Strawther added 20 points (6-of-13 FGs, 7-of-8 FTs), five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one three-pointer in Friday's win over the Bucks.
Analysis: Strawther made his first start of the season for the injury-hit Nuggets and recorded arguably his best game of the season. In 27 minutes, the third-year guard led Denver in scoring, despite struggling from behind the three-point line. He'll likely return to a reserve role once Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, and Peyton Watson return from injuries, and he's not someone that fantasy basketball managers should consider adding to their roster. Still, his strong showing on Friday helped the Nuggets earn a win. |
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Aaron Gordon Aaron Gordon (hamstring) won't return vs. Bucks
Fri, Jan 23, 2026, 5:31 PM
Bennett Durando
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) will be sidelined for the remainder of Friday's game against the Bucks.
Analysis: The injury occurred in the second quarter when Gordon pushed the ball in transition. As he attacked, he pulled up suddenly, reached for his hamstring, and then surrendered possession of the ball to a teammate. He exited at the next deadball and was eventually ruled out in the third quarter. Gordon had already dealt with a hamstring injury this season, so a reaggregation may cause the Nuggets to take a cautious approach going forward. |
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Julian Strawther Pickett, Strawther, Jones, Gordon, Nnaji starting
Fri, Jan 23, 2026, 3:10 PM
Denver Nuggets
Jalen Pickett, Julian Strawther, Spencer Jones, Aaron Gordon and Zeke Nnaji will start against the Bucks on Friday.
Analysis: The Nuggets' starting unit on Friday features many changes. With Nikola Jokic, Peyton Watson, Christian Braun and Jamal Murray all out with injuries, several reserves have been elevated to the starting lineup. The unusual combination of players will look to overpower the Bucks, put together a second straight victory, and remain near the top of the Western Conference standings. |
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Peyton Watson Peyton Watson (ankle) ruled out vs. Milwaukee
Fri, Jan 23, 2026, 2:45 PM
Denver Nuggets
Peyton Watson (ankle) has been ruled out against the Bucks on Friday.
Analysis: Watson is one of multiple starters for Denver that will miss this game. He has been on fire as of late, and they'll have to turn to Julian Strawther, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Spencer Jones to try and make up some of that production. |
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Jamal Murray Jamal Murray (hamstring/hip) ruled out vs. MIL
Fri, Jan 23, 2026, 2:44 PM
Denver Nuggets
Jamal Murray (hamstring/hip) will not play on Friday vs. the Bucks.
Analysis: Murray will sit out on Friday due to lower-body injuries. His absence will come on the second game of a back-to-back, as the Nuggets look to put together back-to-back wins. The veteran point guard's scoring and improved facilitating have been key for the Nuggets during Nikola Jokic's extended absence (knee). Without Murray, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown could see increased opportunities. |
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Jonas Valanciunas Jonas Valan?i?nas (calf) ruled out vs. Milwaukee
Fri, Jan 23, 2026, 2:42 PM
Denver Nuggets
Jonas Valan?i?nas (calf) has been ruled out against the Bucks on Friday.
Analysis: Valan?i?nas returned to the lineup on Thursday following a multi-week absence, so it isn't surprising that he'll miss the second leg of this back-to-back. Zeke Nnaji and DaRon Holmes should take on larger roles with Valan?i?nas out of the lineup, though only Nnaji has upside as a streamer. |
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Jonas Valanciunas Jonas Valan?i?nas (calf) questionable Friday
Fri, Jan 23, 2026, 9:21 AM
NBA Injury Report
Jonas Valan?i?nas is questionable for Friday's matchup with the Bucks.
Analysis: Valan?i?nas returned to the lineup on Thursday and posted a 16/9 line across 22 minutes. After multiple weeks on the shelf, it's understandable that he's questionable for the second leg of the Nuggets' back-to-back set. If JV sits this one out, Zeke Nnaji and DaRon Holmes II could handle additional playing time. |
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Peyton Watson Peyton Watson (ankle) questionable Friday vs. MIL
Fri, Jan 23, 2026, 8:48 AM
NBA Injury Report
Peyton Watson (ankle) is questionable for Friday's matchup with the Bucks.
Analysis: Watson has been electric as of late, culminating with a career-high 35 points in Thursday's win over Washington. The severity of his injury is unknown, but it's possible he's getting a maintenance day on the second leg of Denver's back-to-back set. If Watson is ultimately ruled out, Julian Strawther, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Spencer Jones are all candidates for additional playing time. |
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Jamal Murray Jamal Murray (hamstring/hip) questionable Friday
Fri, Jan 23, 2026, 8:43 AM
NBA Injury Report
Jamal Murray (hamstring/hip) is questionable for Friday's matchup with the Bucks.
Analysis: Murray is dealing with right hamstring inflammation and left hip inflammation. With Christian Braun (ankle) out, Denver's backcourt could be shorthanded if Murray is ultimately sidelined. Jalen Pickett and Bruce Brown could be in line for additional playing time against Milwaukee. |
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Jamal Murray Jamal Murray records 24/4/5/2/1 line vs. Wizards
Thu, Jan 22, 2026, 4:46 PM
Jamal Murray posted a full line on Thursday with 24 points (9-of-17 FGs), four rebounds, five assists, two steals, one block and two three-pointers against the Wizards.
Analysis: Murray has been fantastic all season, but he has been extra hot as of late. Over the last two weeks, he is shooting 55.6 percent from the floor and has shot at least 50 percent in five of his last six games. That was enough in this game to snap Denver's two-game losing streak. It was also the first leg of a back-to-back, and he'll look to stay hot in Milwaukee on Friday. |
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Peyton Watson Peyton Watson scores career-best 35 points in win
Thu, Jan 22, 2026, 4:36 PM
Peyton Watson led the Nuggets with 35 points (10-of-16 FGs, 9-of-10 FTs), eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, four blocks and six three-pointers in a 107-97 win over the Wizards on Thursday.
Analysis: Watson has scored at least 20 points 15 times in his career. 13 of those have come this season. This was a new career high for scoring for Watson, and it was more than just a big scoring night. He also matched his career high for triples, which he previously set two weeks prior to this one. It was also a full stat line and an efficient shooting night. Watson's breakout season has been impressive, and he should remain an elite option until Nikola Jokic returns, though he should certainly retain value after that. |
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Jonas Valanciunas Jonas Valan?i?nas (calf) tallies 16/9 in return
Thu, Jan 22, 2026, 4:28 PM
Jonas Valan?i?nas returned to the lineup on Thursday and contributed 16 points (6-of-13 FGs), nine rebounds and two assists against the Wizards.
Analysis: Valan?i?nas was back in the lineup after missing the past few weeks, and he immediately started and played 22 minutes. He got off to a hot start, scoring eight points in the first three minutes. He wasn't quite as effective the rest of the way, but it was important for Denver to have him back out on the floor. This was the first leg of a back-to-back, so don't expect Valan?i?nas to be available to take on Milwaukee on Friday. That should mean a return to the starting lineup for Spencer Jones. |
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Jonas Valanciunas DEN starts Murray, Pickett, Watson, Gordon, Jonas
Thu, Jan 22, 2026, 12:44 PM
NBA Lineups
Jamal Murray, Jalen Pickett, Peyton Watson, Aaron Gordon and Jonas Valan?i?nas will start Thursday's game against the Wizards.
Analysis: Valan?i?nas is available for the first time since straining his right calf on New Year's Eve, prompting a change to the Nuggets' starting lineup. With the veteran center available, Spencer Jones heads to the bench, which shifts Gordon back to his familiar power forward position. |
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Jonas Valanciunas Jonas Valan?i?nas (calf) available Thursday
Thu, Jan 22, 2026, 12:04 PM
NBA Injury Report
Jonas Valan?i?nas (calf) is available for Thursday's game against the Wizards.
Analysis: Thursday's game will be Valan?i?nas' first since New Year's Eve, when he strained his right calf during a win over the Raptors. While a minutes restriction is likely, the veteran center's return likely means that fewer minutes will be available to Zeke Nnaji. |
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Jonas Valanciunas Valan?i?nas (calf) expected to play Thursday
Thu, Jan 22, 2026, 11:44 AM
Bennett Durando
Jonas Valan?i?nas (calf) is expected to play in Thursday's game against the Wizards.
Analysis: Valan?i?nas has been out since straining his right calf during a December 31 win over the Raptors. A return on Thursday would mean he's about a week ahead of schedule. While the veteran center will likely be under a minutes restriction, Zeke Nnaji will get less playing time. |
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Jonas Valanciunas Jonas Valan?i?nas (calf) questionable Thursday
Wed, Jan 21, 2026, 9:49 AM
NBA Injury Report
Jonas Valan?i?nas (calf) is questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Wizards.
Analysis: On January 1, Valan?i?nas was given a four-week timeline for re-evaluation, but the questionable tag indicates that he is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a right calf strain. If Valan?i?nas is cleared to return, he'll likely face a minutes restriction, but DaRon Holmes II and Zeke Nnaji could see their playing times reduced. |
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Aaron Gordon Aaron Gordon drops 18 points, five assists
Tue, Jan 20, 2026, 6:48 PM
Aaron Gordon tallied 18 points (6-of-9 FGs, 4-of-8 FTs), four rebounds, five assists and two three-pointers in Tuesday's loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: Gordon was back in the Nuggets' lineup after sitting out Sunday's loss to the Hornets, pushing DaRon Holmes II (DNP-CD) out of the rotation entirely. While he didn't record any defensive stats, Gordon's points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers were solid. The combination of decreased defensive production and poor foul shooting has negatively affected Gordon's fantasy value recently, pushing him outside the top-100. That said, he'll be worth holding onto as long as the Nuggets are without Nikola Joki?. |
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Peyton Watson Peyton Watson posts 18 points, full stat line
Tue, Jan 20, 2026, 6:48 PM
Peyton Watson recorded 18 points (7-of-17 FGs), five rebounds, three assists, three steals, one block and four three-pointers in Tuesday's loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: Two nights removed from being limited to 11 points in a blowout loss to the Hornets, Watson was more productive against the Lakers. The fourth-year forward recorded a complete stat line in his 38 minutes, and he has offered consistently reliable value over the past month. Rostered in 43 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Watson has been a sixth-round player in eight-cat formats over the past month. He's worth rostering until Christian Braun (ankle) and Cameron Johnson (knee) return from their injuries. |
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