The Denver Nuggets are about to end 2024 with a matchup against the Utah Jazz on Monday. Delta Center is ready for action as the home team will take on Michael Malone’s battalion in a tough fight. Amidst the excitement of the game, the Nuggets have more things to worry about. Especially about their 29-year-old power forward Aaron Gordon who’s already missed a game vs. the Pistons on Saturday.
But then, Denver has too many shoulders to rely on. For instance: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Russell Westbrook. Despite an inconsistent winning streak to 2024-25, the 2023 champions remain a tough challenge for Utah. The Jazz have a $238 million star, Lauri Markkanen. The Finnish forward is delivering for the team. He averages 19.7 points per game with a 44.1% field goal percentage. Markkanen is doing his part to help the Jazz win.
But, instead of roughly discussing which team is doing better than the other, why don’t we dive deeper? So, let’s check the injury reports and depth charts for both teams. And, also understand whether Aaron Gordon will be on the floor for the Nuggets on Monday or not.
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Nuggets vs Jazz: Injury Report
Denver Nuggets injury report: Is Aaron Gordon playing vs. Utah?
Aaron Gordon’s calf strain sidelines him again, marking his third straight absence. This means the Jazz won’t face the veteran forward on Monday. This opens the door for Peyton Watson and Hunter Tyson to shine with extended minutes.
Besides Gordon, the Denver Nuggets are about to face a tough night against Utah. Trey Alexander and PJ Hall are out on G League Two-Way assignments. Meanwhile, Vlatko Cancar continues rehabbing his left knee. And, DaRon Holmes II is recovering from right Achilles tendon repair.
Utah Jazz injury report
The Jazz face uncertainty with injuries piling up. Keyonte George is questionable with a left ankle sprain, while John Collins is doubtful due to a left hip contusion. Taylor Hendricks remains out with a right fibula fracture, joined by David Jones Garcia and Oscar Tshiebwe on G League Two-Way duties.
Unlike the Nuggets who’re missing out on their regular Aaron Gordon, Utah has a lot to crease their foreheads. Nonetheless, this is the NBA we’re talking about. So, always expect the unexpected. But, keeping in mind Jazz’s 7-23 record so far and their 14th place in the West, Denver is 7th and might just have an upper hand.
Depth Chart
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Denver Nuggets depth chart
Position | Starter | 1st Rotation | 2nd Rotation | 3rd Rotation | 4th Rotation |
PG | Jamal Murray | Russell Westbrook | Jalen Pickett | Trey Alexander | Christian Braun |
SG | Christian Braun | Julian Strawther | Jamal Murray | Jalen Pickett | Trey Alexander |
SF | Michael Porter Jr. | Hunter Tyson | Julian Strawther | Christian Braun | Aaron Gordon (O) |
PF | Aaron Gordon (O) | Peyton Watson | Hunter Tyson | Michael Porter Jr. | Julian Strawther |
C | Nikola Jokic | DeAndre Jordan | Zeke Nnaji | Dario Saric | PJ Hall |
Utah Jazz depth chart
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Position | Starter | 1st Rotation | 2nd Rotation | 3rd Rotation | 4th Rotation |
PG | Keyonte George (O) | Isaiah Collier | Collin Sexton | Patty Mills | Jordan Clarkson |
SG | Collin Sexton | Jordan Clarkson | Johnny Juzang | Svi Mykhailiuk | Isaiah Collier |
SF | Lauri Markkanen | Johnny Juzang | Brice Sensabaugh | Svi Mykhailiuk | Cody Williams |
PF | John Collins (O) | Brice Sensabaugh | Micah Potter | Lauri Markkanen | Kyle Filipowski |
C | Walker Kessler | Kyle Filipowski | Drew Eubanks | John Collins (O) | Micah Potter |
While the teams prepare themselves for Monday’s game night, you start placing your bets on your favorite side. And well, wait and watch as the action unfolds!
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Debate
Can the Nuggets maintain their edge without Aaron Gordon, or will the Jazz pull off an upset?
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Can the Nuggets maintain their edge without Aaron Gordon, or will the Jazz pull off an upset?
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