UPDATE: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr. have been ruled out tonight vs. the Spurs.
After logging 52 minutes in Tuesday’s double overtime loss to the Timberwolves, Jokic ($12,500, ankle) has been listed as questionable for Wednesday’s matchup with the Spurs. Also, Jamal Murray ($8,500, hamstring), Aaron Gordon ($6,200, calf/illness), Michael Porter Jr. ($7,000, personal), Christian Braun ($6,400, foot), and Peyton Watson ($4,900, knee) are all questionable for the Nuggets.
Denver only trails the Rockets by two games for the No.2 seed in the Western Conference with six games remaining, so Wednesday’s matchup with the Spurs is crucial for Denver. That being said, being healthy heading into the playoffs is more important than seeding, so Jokic and any of his questionable teammates sitting wouldn’t be a surprise in any way.
In the double overtime loss to Minnesota on Tuesday, Jokic put up a ridiculous triple-double of 61 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists (98 FPTS). The superstar has been excellent on the second night of back-to-back sets this season, and if Jokic suits up, he should continue to put up monster numbers. Notably, when playing his second game in two nights this season, Jokic is averaging 4.2 more PPG. In two matchups with San Antonio this season, Jokic is averaging an absurd stat line of 43.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game.
Now, if Jokic is out, you have to imagine the Nuggets will rest at least a few more of their starters as well, which would open up a large role for Russell Westbrook ($7,500), who is the only key Nugget who avoided the injury report Wednesday. Furthermore, Deandre Jordan ($4,500) would likely start at center if Jokic was out.
Denver is 4-7 with Jokic inactive this season and in the wake of him being listed as questionable, the Nuggets are now an 8.5-point favorite over the Spurs on DraftKings Sportsbook, after opening as a double-double favorite.
