The Denver Nuggets just steamrolled the Utah Jazz with a smooth 129-93 win, but let’s be real—first, the Jazz are arguably the worst team in both conferences right now. And second, this is no time to celebrate. With only seven games left in the regular season, the playoff race is heating up, and Denver’s grip on the third seed isn’t exactly firm. The Nuggets stand at 47-28, with the Lakers (46-29), Grizzlies (44-31), and Warriors (43-31) all breathing down their necks. And just when they needed all hands on deck… boom. Injury disaster.

Six players are on the injury list, including both Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. Yeah, you read that right. And as they head into a tough matchup against the Timberwolves tonight, the question isn’t just about winning—it’s about survival. Let’s take a closer look at the Nuggets’ current situation.

Denver Nugget’s injury report

A bunch of key guys are either banged up or straight-up unavailable, and with the playoff race heating up, this is not what you wanna see. Nikola Jokić (ankle) – Probable, Yeah, the big man is listed with an ankle issue, but let’s be real—unless something wild happens, Jokić is suiting up. The Nuggets need him on the floor, and he knows it. After he missed five games he returned and dropped a 39-point triple-double against the Bucks, showing his commitment to this season’s MVP race. On the contrary, Jamal Murray the point guard of the Nuggets had a hamstring issue but was able to go through Monday’s practice giving fans hope that he’ll be able to compete in their match against the Timberwolves if the issue doesn’t persist. Now with two of the big names out of the question let’s look at the other players.

Poll of the day

Poll 1 of 5

Do you think the Denver Nuggets can overcome their injury woes and secure a strong playoff position?

Yes, they have the depth to pull through

No, the injuries are too significant

Maybe, if key players return quickly

I don't care, as long as they beat the Timberwolves

Do you think Draymond Green's courtside antics with his wife add to the entertainment or cross the line?

It's all in good fun and adds to the drama

It's disrespectful and unprofessional

Depends on the context and the game

I don't care as long as the game is exciting

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How do you feel about LeBron James' response to Draymond's antics by involving his wife in the game?

Classic LeBron, always rising to the occasion

He should focus on the game, not personal jabs

It's all part of the mind games in sports

LeBron should have ignored it and played on

Do you think LeBron and Savannah James made the right decision by initially transferring Bryce to different schools?

Yes, they were looking out for his best interests

No, they should have trusted Bryce's instincts

Maybe, but it ultimately worked out

Parents should let kids make their own choices

How do you feel about Bryce James' decision to stick with Sierra Canyon despite the challenges?

It shows true loyalty and character

He should have sought better opportunities

It's a risky move that paid off

He was right to follow his heart

Want to dive deeper?

Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.

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Christian Braun, is probable due to foot issues with Aaron Gordan deemed questionable for Tuesday’s game against Minnesota due to illness and a right calf injury. Both of these players can show up and will be available as both fall under the Game time decision.

Julian Strawther is out for the debate as he will miss at least the next four weeks before having his knee re-evaluated (according to Romi Bean of CBS News Colorado. DaRon Holmes II is out but was able to participate in portions of Wednesday’s practice, Brendan Vogt of TheDNVR.com.

Michael Malone on facing the Timberwolves

What head coach Michael Malone had to say about facing the Timberwolves. And, uh… let’s just say he didn’t sugarcoat it. “They’ve approached this game like it’s a rivalry, and I think we’ve approached these games like it’s just another game sometimes.” Oof! That’s about as blunt as it gets.

Malone’s not wrong, though. The Timberwolves have treated these matchups with playoff-level intensity, While the Nuggets haven’t matched the same energy and were still joked about by the fans for their 7th game against the Timberwolves back in May 2024, the conference semifinal when the game series was in line. Some say they threw the game in the 3rd quarter as they were in a lead of 53-38 by the end of the 2nd quarter.

The Nuggets are banged up, the playoff race is tight, and their head coach just called out their approach to this matchup. With only a handful of games left, there’s no more room for complacency—this is where it gets real.

Will the Nuggets push through the adversity, rise to the occasion, and hold their ground? Or will the Wolves keep proving they want it more in this final, critical stretch?