The Denver Nuggets dominated out nearly all of their ordinary rotation for the second straight sport forward of Sunday’s regular-season finale in opposition to the San Antonio Spurs.
One notable exception is three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who will play at least the primary half, in accordance to Nuggets coach David Adelman. Jokic wants to play at least quarter-hour Sunday to be eligible for postseason awards.
The Nuggets’ determination to prioritize well being and relaxation heading into the postseason may have several downstream results on the standings. Denver enters the video games because the No. 3 seed within the Western Conference at 53-28 however may swap locations with the No. 4-seeded Los Angeles Lakers (52-29) with an L.A. win over Utah on Sunday and a Nuggets loss. The Lakers maintain the tiebreaker over the Nuggets thanks to some late-game heroics in an overtime win final month.
The Nuggets will likely be with out Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun on Sunday in any case 4 gamers — and Jokic — missed Friday’s 127-107 win over Oklahoma City. Tim Hardaway Jr., who performed vs. the Thunder, can also be out. Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones, who every have missed the previous several video games due to proper hamstring strains, are out as effectively.
The Spurs, in the meantime, will likely be largely totally wholesome outdoors of famous person Victor Wembanyama, who was dominated out. Wembanyama already clinched eligibility for postseason awards by enjoying Friday. The Spurs are locked in because the No. 2 seed within the West, however may assist pressure the Nuggets into Oklahoma City’s playoff bracket with a win.
As the No. 3 seed, the Nuggets would play the Minnesota Timberwolves within the first spherical of the playoffs. If they fall to No. 4, they are going to host the Houston Rockets.
