Denver Nuggets visit the Orlando Magic on Saturday, December 27, with both clubs dealing with notable injuries ahead of a 7:00 PM ET tipoff at the Kia Center.
Denver enters interconference play with a 22-8 record and sits third in the Western Conference, while Orlando is 17-14 and sixth in the East.
The Nuggets are coming off a 142-138 victory over Minnesota on December 25 after a narrow 131-130 loss to Dallas two nights earlier, giving them a one-game winning streak.
Orlando, meanwhile, dropped a 120-105 game to Charlotte on Dec. 26 after beating Portland 110-106 earlier in the week, leaving the Magic on a one-game skid.
Injuries remain the frontrunner for Denver, which will once again be without several rotation players. Aaron Gordon is out with a right hamstring strain, Christian Braun remains sidelined with a sprained left ankle and Cameron Johnson is unavailable while treating a right knee injury. The Nuggets have also ruled out Tamar Bates following left foot surgery.
Despite the absence, Denver continues to rely heavily on Nikola Jokic, who is averaging 29.8 points, 12.1 rebounds and 11.0 assists while shooting over 60 percent from the field.
Jamal Murray has supplemented that production with 25.4 points per game on 46.0 percent from three, giving Denver one of the league’s most efficient offenses at 125.8 points per game.
Orlando’s injury report is just as important. Franz Wagner is out with a sprained left ankle and Moritz Wagner is still recovering from a left knee injury.
Jalen Suggs is listed as questionable due to a left hip contusion, while Goga Bitadze is questionable due to a left knee strain, creating uncertainty in the Magic’s backcourt and frontcourt rotations.
Paolo Banchero remains the focal point for Orlando, averaging 20.1 points and 8.3 rebounds, with Desmond Bane contributing 19.0 points per night on big-time perimeter shooting.
Wendell Carter Jr. has provided stability on the interior, posting 12.4 points and 7.5 rebounds while stretching the floor more than 41 percent from three.
The teams already met once earlier this season, with Denver claiming a 126-115 home victory on December 18 by controlling the glass and effectively spacing the floor.
Saturday’s game offers a contrasting challenge as Orlando has been stronger defensively at home, allowing 115.0 points per game despite recent injuries.
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