The Denver Nuggets travel to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, January 2, with injuries shaping the outlook at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Tipoff is set for 7:30 PM ET as both teams arrive in opposite directions.
Denver has a 23-10 record and snapped a brief skid with a 106-103 win over Toronto on December 31. That win followed a 147-123 road loss in Miami.
Cleveland comes in at 19-16 and is on a two-game winning streak after beating Phoenix 129-113 on Dec. 31. The Cavaliers also earned a 113-101 victory in San Antonio on December 29.
The Nuggets injury report has been extended and is marked by the absence of Nikola Jokic, who is out due to treatment for a left knee injury. Jokic is averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and 11.0 assists, making his absence a significant shift for Denver’s offensive structure.
Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas have also been ruled out, removing several rotation pieces on both ends of the floor.
Jamal Murray is listed as probable with a left ankle sprain and remains crucial to Denver’s scoring balance. Murray is averaging 25.1 points while shooting 45.3 percent from three, which provides space in Jokic-less lineups.
By Peyton Watson and Tim Hardaway Jr. they are expected to play a bigger role as Denver looks to replace internal scoring with pace and shot volume. The Nuggets are among the league’s most efficient shooting teams, which takes center stage given the depleted rotation.
Cleveland’s injury report is more brief but still impressive, with De’Andre Hunter and Sam Merrill both listed as questionable. Hunter is averaging 14.7 points, while Merrill offers 42.3 percent floor spacing from three.
Larry Nance Jr. and Max Strus remain outside, limiting Cleveland’s options for forward depth and perimeter shooting. The Cavaliers have compensated for this by leaning on strong guard play and interior defense.
Donovan Mitchell leads Cleveland with 29.7 points per game and continues to anchor the late-game offense. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen provide rim protection and rebounding against a Denver lineup missing its leading interior scorer.
It is the first meeting between the teams this season.
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