The Nuggets are wrapping up their five-game road trip on Saturday, facing off against the Charlotte Hornets. Both teams are coming off back-to-backs. The Nuggets won against the 76ers but lost one of their own to injury. This game kicks off the first of two matchups between them across the month. It’s setting up to be an interesting one—especially since both teams are dealing with a hectic schedule.

The Nuggets might look familiar to fans, and for good reason—they’re pretty much the same team we’ve seen the last few years. Sure, they’ve made a few changes since their 2023 championship run, but the core of the squad is still standing strong. One of the changes is Russell Westbrook. But he won’t be playing today as he’s dealing with a left hamstring strain.

In Friday night’s game against the 76ers, Brodie had to leave the game early and didn’t come back. With 11:10 left in the 4th, Russell Westbrook asked to be subbed out. Limping off, he made his way to the locker room, where he stayed for the rest of the game.

A surprise addition to the IR is Peyton Watson (Right Knee Sprain), while Vlatko Čančar (Left Knee Surgery Rehabilitation), DaRon Holmes II (Right Achilles Tendon), will be the others to miss out.

In 48 games this season, Russell Westbrook has put up 13.0 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.1 rebounds, shooting almost 48% from the field, 33.1% from deep, and 64.1% from the free-throw line. His move to the starting lineup has been a game-changer for the Nuggets, contributing to their strong performances. Beyond his numbers, Russell has brought an undeniable energy to the team all season long.

Starting 27 games for Denver, Westbrook has played a key role in the Nuggets’ success. With him in the starting five, the team is 19-8, including their 137-134 victory over the 76ers on Friday. He and his former OKC teammate seem to have been reborn this season!

Matt Barnes recognizes Russell Westbrook and James Harden’s resurgence

People love to call aging players washed when things don’t click right away. Just look at James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Heading into this season, plenty of folks doubted whether the former MVPs could still be difference-makers. Well, they’ve shut that down in style. And if you ask Matt Barnes, it’s time for the critics to eat their words.

“2 guys come to mind, one being Russell Westbrook and the way he’s just been appreciated and shown the respect he deserves and the love he deserves in Denver. He’s having fun, he’s smiling, he’s talking, the crowd loves him,” Barnes said on ALL THE SMOKE.

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Russell Westbrook has bounced around since leaving OKC in 2019, often taking the blame when things went south. But in Denver? He’s thriving. He and Nikola Jokic have a ridiculous +13.7 point differential in 1,833 possessions together… Denver’s offense with them? A staggering 128 points per 100 possessions, per Cleaning The Glass.

Harden, meanwhile, had to carry the Clippers early with Paul George gone and Kawhi Leonard out. He’s responded by averaging 21.5 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.8 rebounds—huge jumps from last season. Sure, his 39.8% shooting is rough, but now that The Klaw’s back, he won’t be forcing as many bad shots.

At some point, even the greats slow down. But Harden and Westbrook? They’re proving that skill and experience still matter in the fast-paced game. The NBA may be changing, but these two aren’t done just yet.