One team is returning home after an eventful win. The other team hits the road after a startling defeat. And at the bottom of it, we have an exciting matchup on Monday. The Denver Nuggets are currently in soaring confidence as they return home after derailing the Lakers. Meanwhile, the NY Knicks suffered an unexpected loss at the hands of the 14th-seeded Utah Jazz. Nevertheless, both teams are looking to stamp their authority, as they go all in with an almost healthy roster.
Aaron Gordon’s right calf strain is the only injury that has been stinging the Nuggets for a while. The power forward missed the last 8 games, opening the doors for rising star Peyton Watson to have a go at the starting lineup. While the injury seems to have slightly impacted the team’s depth, the Mile-High City has figured its way.
Notably, the team played without one of their superstars, Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, in two stretches. On both occasions, the team looked shaky in the beginning but managed to float. Thanks to Russell Westbrook. The vet even claimed a triple-double in the process. Heading into the Knicks matchup, apart from Aaron Gordon, the team has listed out Vlatko Cancar and DaRon Homes II. Additionally, as a late entrant, the team listed Peyton Watson as Questionable with a right abductor strain.
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On the other hand, the NY side which dealing with a short-handed roster for almost two seasons still doesn’t seem to end it. However, this season, it has pretty much impacted their depth. Unless and until Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa return to the roster, the team doesn’t have much depth. And it’s mercilessly impacting their winning record.
Moreover, Miles McBride, the trusted reserve, missed the last five games with a left knee injury. Ahead of the Jazz game, Coach Thibs listed him in Questionable and gave a positive update, saying, “He’s close. He’s doing more, but he’s not quite there. We’ll see where he is tomorrow.” So, we might see the backup guard in action! Let’s how the adjusted starting lineups look now.
Nuggets vs Knicks: Starting line up and depth chart
The Nuggets had a late entrant in the injury lineup, further affecting their depth. While Peyton Watson took up the role in the starting lineup, filling in for Aaron Gordan, now, the backup himself got injured. With the lack of depth on the floor, Russell Westbrook and Christian Braun might have to do overtime.
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The Denver Nuggets
POSITION | STARTING LINE UP | SECOND UNIT | THIRD UNIT |
PG | Jamal Murray | Russell Westbrook | Jalen Pickett |
SG | Christian Braun | Trey Alexander | – |
SF | Michael Porter Jr. | Hunter Tyson | – |
PF | Julian Strawther | Dario Saric | – |
C | Nikola Jokić | DeAndre Jordan | Zeke Nnaji |
The New York Knicks
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POSITION | STARTING LINE UP | SECOND UNIT | THIRD UNIT |
PG | Jalen Brunson | Cameron Payne | – |
SG | Mikal Bridges | Matt Ryan | – |
SF | Josh Hart | Pacome Dadiet | – |
PF | OG Anunoby | Jacob Toppin | – |
C | Karl-Anthony Towns | Jericho Sims | – |
The Knicks once again have to put the entire load on the starting lineup, as they lack any kind of support from the bench. In the last game, the team suffered an embarrassing defeat, as they shot only 39.0% from the field and 33.3% from the arc, resulting in a loss against the Jazz. Will they lock in and surprise the Nuggets? Let us know in the comments below.
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Can the Knicks overcome their depth issues, or will the Nuggets' confidence crush them again?
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