Jazz vs Nuggets: Injury Report, Depth Chart, and More as Nikola Jokic & Co. Look to Bounce Back After Coach’s Call Out

Two teams that have been leaking points throughout the season will face each other tomorrow. The Nuggets‘ defense has been struggling, ranking 23rd in the league and allowing 116.6 points per game. Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz have fared even worse on that end of the floor. Their defensive performance ranks 27th, giving up 118.5 points per game. So how are the two teams looking ahead of their matchup?

Despite the poor defensive numbers, the Denver Nuggets are off to a solid start this season, looking to secure their 10th win after a tough 145-118 loss to the Knicks. Nuggets coach Michael Malone didn’t hold back when criticizing his team’s effort after the loss. He clarified that he wasn’t about to shrug it off, saying, “F** that man, no. No, we’re not flushing. You don’t flush when you get embarrassed, you don’t flush when you gave up 145 points, you don’t flush when you didn’t play hard, didn’t play with effort, physicality, I’m not flushing anything.”

They’ve been efficient offensively, shooting 47.6% from the field and an impressive 39.2% from three. At the free-throw line, they’re hitting 76.5%. Ranked sixth in scoring, Denver is averaging 117.5 points per game. Nikola Jokic has been unstoppable, leading the team with 29.7 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 10.9 assists per game. His contributions on both ends make him the key to Denver’s ability to bounce back and dominate.

Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz are battling to recover from a shaky 4-12 start. Their offense has been a struggle, with just 109.4 points per game on 44.9% shooting. Their three-point accuracy sits at 34.4%, but they’ve been reliable at the free-throw line, shooting 79.6%.

Lauri Markkanen is doing his best to keep Utah afloat, averaging 19.9 points and 6.5 rebounds. While his leadership provides hope, the Jazz need more consistency across the board. With Denver’s firepower and Utah’s struggles, this matchup could highlight the gap between the two teams. Let us take a look at both teams’ injury reports and depth charts.

Will the coach’s words have any effect on the Nuggets?

Peyton Watson (hip) is listed as probable for Wednesday’s matchup with the Jazz. He was also marked probable ahead of Denver’s previous game due to a right adductor strain but was later cleared to play. If he suits up against Utah, Watson is expected to make his 10th consecutive start.

Meanwhile, Aaron Gordon (calf) remains out, without a definitive timeline for his return. Coach Michael Malone mentioned on Monday that the Nuggets will take a cautious approach with him. Gordon has been sidelined since re-injuring his right calf during Denver’s Nov. 4 win over Toronto. It looks like the Nuggets are prioritizing long-term health over rushing him back too soon.

As for DaRon Holmes II, he underwent surgery in July to repair a torn right Achilles tendon. His recovery will be long and challenging, and he is expected to miss the entire 2024-25 season. Head coach Malone confirmed Thursday that Vlatko Čančar (knee) will be out for the foreseeable future, according to Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette. Čančar suffered a left knee sprain during Tuesday’s game against the Grizzlies. This injury comes after he missed the entire 2023-24 season following an ACL tear in the same knee.

Will the Jazz end their slump by winning against Denver?

Jazz’s injury report is based on their report before the game against the Spurs, as they’re playing back-to-back they can release their report just hours before the tipoff.

Markkanen suffered a left knee contusion during the fourth quarter of Tuesday’s game against the Spurs and had to be escorted to the locker room. He won’t return to the game, and his availability for Wednesday’s matchup with the Nuggets is now uncertain. It’s unclear if he’ll be ready to go for that game.

Jordan Clarkson (foot) missed the game against the Spurs as well due to left foot plantar fasciitis, marking his second absence in three games. The 11th-year guard might be ready to play Wednesday against the Nuggets.

Kyle Filipowski (ankle) was also out against the Spurs, missing his second straight game due to a right ankle sprain. He sustained the injury during Thursday’s loss to San Antonio. Filipowski’s next opportunity to play could come on Wednesday, as the Jazz face the Nuggets in the second game of their back-to-back.

So what do you think will happen? Will the Nuggets take their coach’s words seriously? Or how the Jazz might have to play without Markkanen?