Early in the fourth quarter of Monday’s Game 2, Michael Porter Jr. ($5,800) injured his shoulder diving for a loose ball. He was able to play for most of the quarter but was subbed out with 3:31 left in the game and did not return. Porter was able to participate in a light practice on Wednesday but has officially been designated as questionable for Thursday’s Game 3.
It’s been a Jekyll and Hyde series for Porter so far. In Game 1, he only played 26 minutes, shot 1-of-4 from the field and finished with 8 FPTS. He bounced back in a big way in Game 2, putting up 15 points, 15 rebounds, an assist and a steal in 33 minutes for 38.25 FPTS.
Despite the inconsistencies, Porter is a valuable player for the Nuggets due to his work on the boards and ability to make it rain from downtown, relieving pressure off Nikola Jokic.
If he’s unable to go, Peyton Watson ($3,300) would likely enter the starting rotation. Watson started 18 games during the regular season, averaging 11.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 steals and 1.6 blocks in 31.8 minutes per contest. Watson’s length and athleticism helps the defense, but the youth and outside shooting could be issues. Watson converted 35% of his looks from downtown during the regular season.
This season, Nikola Jokic ($11,600) saw a 5.18 percentage point bump in usage rate with Porter off the court. Jamal Murray ($7,300) saw a 1.47 percentage point increase.
