9-1! The Denver Nuggets have been holding more than a comfortable win record against the Portland Trail Blazers. In fact, with the exception of the matchups that took place back in March 2024 and August 2022, Nikola Jokic and Co have secured the wins in the other games by wide margins! Therefore, as the Nuggets look to add to their 3-game win streak, there are very few better rivals who they can face. Despite the high odds, however, the team will continue facing some disadvantages thanks to its players’ injury statuses.

An update was recently provided on the Denver Nuggets’ Injury Report. According to the same, Christian Braun continues to be listed under the ‘Questionable’ category. Meanwhile, Dario Saric’s trouble with his left ankle sprain continues to persist. As a result, the player is now set to miss his 10 consecutive game. Vlatko Čančar last played for the Denver Nuggets around mid-November. Continuing to recover from his Left Knee Surgery Rehabilitation, the upcoming matchup will not be the one in which he makes his return. The last person on the list, 2024 Draft Pick DaRon Holmes II, hasn’t played a single game this season, and will not have his season debut against the Blazers.

Having been one of the most consistent players of his team, Christian Braun played in all of the first 23 games of the ongoing season. In fact, according to The Denver Post, the 23-year-old had played in 122 consecutive games! However, that streak came to an end after he sustained a lower back strain. Braun was listed as ‘Questionable’ for the matchup against the Sacramento Kings. However, he was reportedly declared ‘OUT’ one hour before the opening tip. The player holds the same ‘Questionable’ status again. Therefore, there is a good chance for Déjà vu to occur before the Portland Trail Blazers matchup.

Speaking of the Blazers, their Injury Report highlights their condition as being worse than the Nuggets. The team currently has both Dalano Banton and Deandre Ayton listed as ‘Questionable’, as they recover from a left hip contusion, and an illness, respectively. Meanwhile, Matisse Thybulle, who hasn’t played a single game this season, will continue remaining ‘OUT’. However, Blazers head coach Chauncy Billups recently revealed that Thybulle has resumed standstill shooting. Therefore, it won’t be long before he returns to the regular season games. Alternating between the G-League and the Main League because of his two-way contract, Taze Morre remains on a ‘Day-To-Day’ status. The same also goes for Bryce McGowens.

In light of these updates, both teams will have to make adjustments to their starting lineups.

What will the starting lineup and depth chart for the Blazers-Nuggets game look like?

In case Christian Braun does not play, Russell Westbrook will most likely receive some increased responsibilities. Having averaged 11.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in 24 games, his average points are not as high as Braun’s. However, he can still cover in the starter’s absence. Additionally, Julian Strawther and Peyton Watson are other candidates who can instead get the increased roles. Being the 4 center, Dario Saric’s absence might not affect Nikola Jokic and co that much. In light of these updates, the starting lineup for the Denver Nuggets will look like this:

Similarly, given the updates for the Portland Trail Blazers, their starting lineup will look something like this:

The Denver Nuggets or the Portland Trail Blazers? Who will you be rooting for during the upcoming game? Let us know in the comments down below.