After a thumping win over the LA Clippers, the Denver Nuggets are looking to carry the momentum forward for once. They are all set to take on the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night. Following the recent trades, the Nets haven’t had a great run and they are currently on a three-game losing streak as well. So, stepping into the Ball Arena as underdogs, they’d look to end their misery. Moreover, the visitors have a strong advantage, as the Mike Malone-led side will likely take the court without a few of their key assets.

Nikola Jokic, who has once again made a strong case for MVP this season, has missed 2 games in a row with illness. This is something that has been toying with the league for over the last few weeks. Following the Bucks duo Dame-Giannis and the Mavs’ locker room, the Serb also has gotten it. Coach Kidd ruled it out, calling it a seasonal flu, but it has caused enough damage to the NBA already.

Heading into the Friday night challenge, the Denver team has listed the Joker in the Questionable category, citing the same illness setback. In the last two games, though, the Nuggets have a 1-1 record which includes a blowout win as well. Apart from that, Aaron Gordon has missed 8 consecutive games with a calf injury and will miss out tonight as well. He was sidelined for a major portion of the season initially, dealing with the same issue. Other than that, they’ve listed out: Spencer Jones, Vlatko Cancar, and DaRon Holmes II.

On the other hand, the Nets also have a troubling injury report. Three of their main assets, Cameron Johnson, Cam Thomas, and D’Angelo Russell miss out, as they’re dealing with various injuries. Importantly, these 3 stars haven’t laced up for the last few games and it ultimately impacted the team’s run. In the last 10 games, the Nets managed to win only two of them. It’s indeed a serious threat.

Nikola Jokic & Co. vs the Nets: Starting Lineup and Depth Chart

In the absence of the Joker and his teammate, Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets generally manage to put up a decent show. The inclusion of Russell Westbrook has paid off well for the team. The former MVP award winner has taken over the starting lineup and has been orchestrating the Denver team’s offense along with an inconsistent Jamal Murray. So, we will have a similar exhibition on tonight’s show.

Denver Nuggets

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets, after a flurry early on in the season, are back to what they were expected to be. Now, with around half of the campaign left, they will look to earn a better pick in the draft lottery. Or will they challenge the short-handed Nuggets? Let us know your predictions.