Jamal Murray recorded 21 points (7-of-20 FGs, 4-of-5 FTs), nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal and three three-pointers in 48 minutes in Saturday’s win over the Clippers.

Murray did not get off to the best start on Saturday, shooting 2-of-8 from the field in the first half. While slightly better after the intermission, the rebounds and assists were where the Nuggets guard was most impactful in Game 1. Who helped pick up the slack in stretches was Russell Westbrook. Despite shooting 5-of-17 from the field, he chipped in with 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and two three-pointers in 34 minutes off the bench. Murray’s overall stat line was solid, but the Nuggets will need him to shoot better moving forward.

Jamal Murray recorded 21 points (7-of-20 FGs, 4-of-5 FTs), nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal and three three-pointers in 48 minutes in Saturday’s Game 1 win over the Clippers.

Murray did not get off to the best start on Saturday, shooting 2-of-8 from the field in the first half. While slightly better after the intermission, the rebounds and assists were where the Nuggets guard was most impactful in Game 1. Who helped pick up the slack in stretches was Russell Westbrook. Despite shooting 5-of-17 from the field, he chipped in with 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and two three-pointers in 34 minutes off the bench. Murray’s overall stat line was solid, but the Nuggets will need him to shoot better moving forward.

Aaron Gordon amassed 25 points (8-of-14 FGs, 8-of-10 FTs), eight rebounds, one assist, two steals and one three-pointer in 46 minutes in Saturday’s Game 1 win over the Clippers.

Having finished the regular season with three consecutive games of at least 18 points, Gordon carried that positive form into Saturday’s playoff opener. During the regular season, he scored 20 points or more in 12 games, four more than his total during the 2023-24 campaign. While Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray are expected to lead the way offensively for the Nuggets, receiving consistent production from Gordon is crucial if they are to win this series. Denver will host Game 2 on Monday night.

Aaron Gordon amassed 25 points (8-of-14 FGs, 8-of-10 FTs), eight rebounds, one assist, two steals and one three-pointer in 46 minutes in Saturday’s win over the Clippers.

Having finished the regular season with three consecutive games of at least 18 points, Gordon carried that positive form into Saturday’s playoff opener. During the regular season, he scored 20 points or more in 12 games, four more than his total during the 2023-24 campaign. While Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray are expected to lead the way offensively for the Nuggets, receiving consistent production from Gordon is crucial if they are to win this series. Denver will host Game 2 on Monday night.

Nikola Jokic finished Saturday’s win over the Clippers with 29 points (12-of-24 FGs, 4-of-6 FTs), nine rebounds, 12 assists, three steals, one block and one three-pointer in 46 minutes.

Based on the numbers, no opposing center has done a better job defensively on Jokic than the Clippers’ Ivica Zubac. While he made the three-time MVP work in Saturday’s series opener, The Joker still finished one rebound shy of a triple-double while recording a complete stat line. Also, Jokic only committed two turnovers in his 46 minutes on the floor. As has been the case for most of his NBA career, Jokic is going to get his numbers, and he’ll do so efficiently. The Nuggets host Game 2 on Monday.

Nikola Jokic finished Saturday’s Game 1 win over the Clippers with 29 points (12-of-24 FGs, 4-of-6 FTs), nine rebounds, 12 assists, three steals, one block and one three-pointer in 46 minutes.

Based on the numbers, no opposing center has done a better job defensively on Jokic than the Clippers’ Ivica Zubac. While he made the three-time MVP work in Saturday’s series opener, The Joker still finished one rebound shy of a triple-double while recording a complete stat line. Also, Jokic only committed two turnovers in his 46 minutes on the floor. As has been the case for most of his NBA career, Jokic is going to get his numbers, and he’ll do so efficiently. The Nuggets host Game 2 on Monday.

Nikola Jokic finished Saturday’s win over the Clippers with 29 points (12-of-24 FGs, 4-of-6 FTs), nine rebounds, 12 assists, three steals, one block and one three-pointer in 46 minutes.

Based on the numbers, no opposing center has done a better job defensively on Jokic than the Clippers’ Ivica Zubac. While he made the three-time MVP work in Saturday’s series opener, The Joker still finished one rebound shy of a triple-double while recording a complete stat line. Also, Jokic only committed two turnovers in his 46 minutes on the floor. As has been the case for most of his NBA career, Jokic is going to get his numbers, and he’ll do so efficiently. The Nuggets host Game 2 on Monday.

Zach Edey recorded a double-double on Friday with 15 points (7-of-9 FGs), 11 rebounds, one assist and two blocks against the Mavericks.

Edey has now played in two play-in games in his career and has two play-in double-doubles. He wasn’t able to match his 17 rebounds from Tuesday’s game, but Edey still made a big impact in this game to help Memphis return to the playoffs after a one-year absence. Edey will have his hands full for his playoff debut on Sunday as he matches up with Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein while also trying to make life difficult for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander when he drives to the basket.

Desmond Bane lit up the Mavericks with 22 points (8-of-15 FGs), five rebounds, nine assists, two steals, three three-pointers and six turnovers on Friday.

After scoring 30 points in Tuesday’s loss to Golden State, Bane once again had another productive night on the offensive end. He didn’t match his point total from that game, but he didn’t need to. Bane made up for a slightly lower scoring night by matching Ja Morant as the leader in assists in this game. Bane, Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. combined to score 68 of the Grizzlies 120 points in this game. If all three are clicking for their series against the Thunder, they’ll have a chance to win some games.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 24 points (10-of-18 FGs), seven rebounds, four assists, one block and four three-pointers against the Mavericks on Friday.

JJJ had a better night offensively on Friday than he did in Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors, which helped propel Memphis back to the postseason. He was joined by Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, who each scored 22 points, as the main producers of offensive for the Grizzlies, though they had six players score in double figures. Jackson Jr. had four triples in each of their play-in games, and if he continues to knock down shots at that rate during their series against the Thunder, they’ll certainly have a chance to make some noise.

Ja Morant posted a full line on Friday with 22 points (7-of-24 FGs), seven rebounds, nine assists, three steals and one three-pointer in a 120-106 win over the Mavericks.

Despite dealing with an ankle injury, Morant played a significant role in the Grizzlies’ blowout win over the Mavs. He had an injection to help his ankle on Thursday, and it paid off in the first half as he contributed 16 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals prior to the break. Unfortunately, he struggled after halftime, which nearly allowed Dallas to complete a big comeback. Morant will have about 36 hours to rest his ankle for they take on the Thunder in Game 1 of their first round series on Sunday.

Ja Morant (ankle) is available to play against the Mavericks on Friday.

As he has been saying all week, Morant will play in the Grizzlies’ play-in matchup with Dallas. Now, it’s finally official. Morant may be limited by the ankle injury, but he underwent an injection on Thursday, so he hopefully won’t be too limited. Regardless, expect him to play a significant role to try and keep their season alive.

Ja Morant had an injection in his ankle on Thursday but is “determined to play” against the Mavericks on Friday.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Ja Morant had an injection in his ankle on Thursday but is “determined to play” against the Mavericks on Friday.

Charania also noted that if this was a regular season game, Morant likely wouldn’t be playing. It is a “severe” ankle sprain, though he has never wavered from his stance that he will play against Dallas. The injection should help ease the pain, but it also establishes just how severe the injury is. Still, in an elimination game, Morant will play as much as he needs to in order to get Memphis to the playoffs.

Ja Morant (ankle) is questionable for Friday’s game against the Mavericks.

Morant told reporters after Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors that he expects to play Friday. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old point guard missed practice Thursday and is officially listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain. While it’s hard to envision Morant sitting out a game of importance like Friday’s, his ankle is clearly bothering him. If Morant is out, Santi Aldama and Luke Kennard will be in line for extra minutes with Kennard potentially moving into the starting lineup.

Ja Morant (ankle) missed practice on Thursday and will be a game-time decision against the Mavericks on Friday.

Morant finished out Tuesday’s game against the Warriors after injuring his ankle during overtime and said after the game that he will play on Friday. It’s difficult to imagine him not suiting up for a win-or-go-home game, but the ankle is clearly bothering him quite a bit, which could impact his performance on the court. If something changes, Santi Aldama and Luke Kennard will take on extra minutes, with Kennard potentially replacing Morant in the starting unit.

Ja Morant (ankle) was adamant after Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors that he will be available for Friday’s game against Dallas or Sacramento.

Morant rolled his right ankle with a little over four minutes remaining in the third quarter of Tuesday’s 7/8 play-in tournament game. He did return to action but was labored in his movements, ultimately logging 35 minutes. Following the defeat, Morant left no doubt about what he expects regarding his availability for Friday. “I’m playing. That’s basically the answer I’m giving,” Morant said. “It ain’t nothing different.” Memphis will host the winner of Wednesday’s game between Dallas and Sacramento on Friday. This game will determine the eighth seed in the West, with the winner advancing to face Oklahoma City.

Ja Morant (ankle) was adamant after Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors that he will be available for Friday’s game against Dallas or Sacramento.

Morant rolled his right ankle with a little over four minutes remaining in the third quarter of Tuesday’s 7/8 Play-In tournament game. He did return to action but was labored in his movements, ultimately logging 35 minutes. Following the defeat, Morant left no doubt about what he expects regarding his availability for Friday. “I’m playing. That’s basically the answer I’m giving,” Morant said. “It ain’t nothing different.” Memphis will host the winner of Wednesday’s game between Dallas and Sacramento on Friday. This game will determine the eighth seed in the West, with the winner advancing to face Oklahoma City.

Zach Edey dropped 14 points (4-of-11 FGs, 6-of-8 FTs), 17 rebounds and two assists in 33 minutes in Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors.

While he struggled with his shot on Tuesday, the 7-foot-4 Edey was a force on the boards. Having reached double digits in rebounds in five of his last six appearances of the regular season, the rookie center grabbed 17 more on Tuesday. Seven rebounds were offensive, giving the Grizzlies extra possessions that helped erase a 20-point deficit. Edey was unable to do enough to help Memphis get the win and earn a playoff spot. Still, they’ll have another opportunity to do so on Friday against the winner of Wednesday’s game between Dallas and Sacramento.

Jaren Jackson Jr. accumulated 18 points (6-of-15 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), six rebounds, four assists, one steal and four three-pointers in 39 minutes in Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors.

Interestingly, the one area in which Jackson struggled against the Warriors during the regular season was a position of strength on Tuesday. After shooting 3-of-18 from deep in four meetings, he was 4-of-9 on Tuesday. The issue was Jackson shooting 2-of-6 from two, a far cry from the 54.1 percent clip he shot during the regular season. Jackson will look to rebound on Friday when the Grizzlies host Dallas or Sacramento. The winner of Friday’s game will be the eighth seed in the West.

Scotty Pippen finished Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors with nine points (3-of-8 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs), five rebounds, five assists and one steal in 34 minutes.

During the regular season, the Grizzlies went with Vince Williams Jr. as the fifth starter after losing Jaylen Wells to a fractured wrist. However, Pippen was the choice on Tuesday, with his inclusion shifting Ja Morant off the ball. Pippen was solid but not spectacular; we’ll see if the Grizzlies stick with this lineup when they host Dallas or Sacramento on Friday. Williams only played three minutes, going scoreless with one rebound and one assist.

Ja Morant (ankle) amassed 22 points (9-of-18 FGs, 3-of-3 FTs), three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one three-pointer in 35 minutes in Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors.

While Morant committed five turnovers on Tuesday, the sprained right ankle he suffered during the third quarter was more concerning. The good news for the Grizzlies was that he returned after spending some time on the bench, ultimately logging 35 minutes. Following the game, TNT reported the Grizzlies would not X-ray Morant’s ankle. Next, we will see how Morant’s ankle responds after the team returns to Memphis. He should be considered questionable for Friday’s game against Dallas or Sacramento, with the winner receiving the eighth seed in the West.

Desmond Bane shot 11-of-21 from the field and 3-of-3 from the foul line in Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors, scoring 30 points with six rebounds, four assists, one steal, one block and five three-pointers in 39 minutes.

After scoring at least 24 points in three of his last four regular-season appearances, Bane had another good night on Tuesday. It wasn’t enough to get Memphis into the playoffs, but they’ll have another opportunity to earn their way in on Friday against the Dallas/Sacramento winner. With Ja Morant spraining his right ankle during the third quarter, Bane may be in a position where he must do even more as a scorer than he did on Tuesday.

Michael Porter Jr. led the Nuggets with 19 points (8-of-12 FGs), seven rebounds, two blocks and three three-pointers in a 126-111 win over the Rockets on Sunday.

It was a balanced attack for Denver as six players scored in double figures, with none of them reaching 20 points. MPJ led the way, though just barely. Still, he was able to have an efficient shooting night to help the Nuggets win a third-straight game and clinch the fourth seed in the West. They will host the Clippers in the first round of the playoffs after getting a week off. Porter Jr. ends the regular season with averages of 18.2 points, seven rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.5 threes per game while shooting 50.4 percent from the floor.

Aaron Gordon posted a full line on Sunday with 18 points (7-of-13 FGs), seven rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block and one three-pointer against the Rockets.

Gordon did a little bit of everything in this game to help Denver clinch the fourth seed in the West. It was a balanced attack for Denver, and they ended up taking control of the game in the third quarter, which limited Gordon to just 26 minutes. However, he was still able to turn in a full stat line. They will get a week off before taking on the Clippers in the first round of the playoffs.

Jay Huff finished Sunday’s win over the Mavericks with 22 points (9-of-12 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), six rebounds, two assists, two steals, six blocks and two three-pointers in 28 minutes.

Huff did not start Sunday’s game, but that did not prevent him from putting on a show on both ends of the floor. He recorded career highs in points and blocks, finishing with a robust stat line sure to benefit any fantasy manager who rolled the dice on him. Due to Memphis’s overall depth, Huff has not been a consistent factor in fantasy basketball. However, he’s good enough to offer solid streaming value when the Grizzlies are shorthanded, as they were on Sunday.

Cam Spencer logged 37 minutes in Sunday’s win over the Mavericks, scoring 23 points (8-of-19 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs) while adding two rebounds, seven assists, three steals and five three-pointers.

Spencer was one of three Grizzlies to finish Sunday’s blowout with new career-high point totals, with Lamar Stevens and Jay Huff being the others. The second-round pick out of UConn did not have the best field-goal percentage, but the assists, steals and three-pointers will help compensate for that. Spencer is unlikely to factor into the Grizzlies’ post-season rotation. Memphis begins on Tuesday against the Warriors in the Play-In Tournament.

Cam Spencer logged 37 minutes in Sunday’s win over the Mavericks, scoring 23 points (8-of-19 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), two rebounds, seven assists, three steals and five three-pointers.

Spencer was one of three Grizzlies to finish Sunday’s blowout with new career-high point totals, with Lamar Stevens and Jay Huff being the others. The second-round pick out of UConn did not have the best field-goal percentage, but the assists, steals and three-pointers will help compensate for that. Spencer is unlikely to factor into the Grizzlies’ post-season rotation. Play for Memphis begins on Tuesday against the Warriors in the play-in tournament.

Marvin Bagley III amassed 25 points (11-of-18 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs), 12 rebounds, three assists and one steal in 31 minutes in Sunday’s win over the Mavericks.

With Bagley and Lamar Stevens (31 points) putting up at least 25 points each, a franchise-record 12 players have accomplished that feat this season. Bagley started for Zach Edey and had a big afternoon as a scorer and rebounder. He’s unlikely to provide much value off the bench in the postseason, but Sunday’s performance may improve Bagley’s prospects for the 2025-26 campaign.

Lamar Stevens tallied 31 points (14-of-25 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), six rebounds, three assists and two three-pointers in 36 minutes in Sunday’s win over the Mavericks.

Memphis entered Sunday knowing it would be in the play-in tournament. So, the team rested most of its rotation players, freeing up opportunities for guys like Stevens. He took advantage of his chance, recording his first 30-point game. Stevens’s inability to stick in the NBA makes him a non-factor in fantasy basketball, but days like Sunday will keep him on teams’ radars. The Grizzlies will visit Golden State on Tuesday, with the winner receiving the seventh seed and the loser having to play the Sacramento/Dallas winner for the eighth seed.

Cam Spencer, Vince Williams Jr., Lamar Stevens, GG Jackson and Marvin Bagley III will start Sunday’s game against the Mavericks.

The Grizzlies have rested their entire starting five and a few key reserves for Sunday’s game, as they’re locked into Tuesday’s 7 vs. 8 matchup in the play-in tournament. Of the five starters, Williams and Jackson offer the highest ceilings for active fantasy leagues, but Stevens, Bagley and Spencer are worth a look in deeper formats.

Santi Aldama (ankle) and Luke Kennard (knee) have been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Mavericks.

Aldama and Kennard will sit on Sunday like a slew of other key Grizzlies players. Cam Spencer, Lamar Stevens, and GG Jackson will get an opportunity to shine on Sunday against Dallas.

Scotty Pippen Jr. (back) is out for Sunday’s game against the Mavericks.

Memphis is sitting its top rotation players for Sunday’s game, as they will be the seventh or eighth seed in the West, depending on the results. With Pippen and Ja Morant out, Cam Spencer should play heavy minutes, with Yuki Kawamura likely moving into the rotation. Spencer is the player worth targeting in active deep leagues.

Ja Morant (shoulder) and Desmond Bane (groin) have been ruled out against the Mavericks on Sunday.

As expected, both star guards will miss the regular season finale. While the Grizzlies still have a chance to move up to seventh in the West, they will be in the Play-In Tournament regardless, so they will prioritize having their stars rested for the postseason. Cam Spencer and Yuki Kawamura should be in line for significant workloads.

Jaren Jackson Jr. (back) and Zach Edey (ankle) are out against the Mavericks on Sunday.

The Grizzlies are resting most of their key players, including Jackson and Edey. Depending on Sunday’s results, Memphis will be either the seventh or eighth seed in the West. Jay Huff and GG Jackson will log significant minutes on Sunday due to the many absences, and both are worth slotting into lineups in active deep leagues.

Jamal Murray (hamstring) is available for Sunday’s game against the Rockets.

Denver has much on the line for Sunday’s regular-season finale, as they can finish anywhere from fourth to seventh, depending on the day’s results. Murray is good to go, meaning the Nuggets can roll with their usual starting five. Jalen Pickett misses out on a boost to his fantasy value.

Jamal Murray (hamstring) is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Rockets.

While their opposition is locked into the two-seed in the West, the Nuggets still have plenty to play for on Sunday. Denver can finish anywhere from fourth to eighth, depending on how things play out. Murray is the lone rotation player on the injury report, and the probable tag suggests he will be in the lineup. Jalen Pickett will move into the starting lineup if Murray cannot play.

Zach Edey (ankle) is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Mavericks.

Edey appears unlikely to play in Sunday’s regular-season finale, as the Grizzlies are locked into the play-in tournament. Jay Huff will likely move into the rotation if the rookie is officially ruled out. As Jaren Jackson Jr. is also doubtful, Huff would be worth rostering in active leagues.

Scotty Pippen Jr. (back) and Luke Kennard (knee) are doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Mavericks.

Pippen and Kennard are among the Grizzlies’ rotation players listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game. Memphis’s loss to the Nuggets on Friday locked them into the play-in tournament; Sunday’s results will determine if they’re the seventh or eighth seed. With Pippen and Kennard unlikely to play, Yuki Kawamura and Cam Spencer should play rotation minutes out of necessity.

Ja Morant (shoulder) and Desmond Bane (groin) are doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Mavericks.

With Friday’s loss to the Nuggets locking Memphis into the play-in tournament, most of the team’s key rotation players are doubtful for Sunday’s regular-season finale. Morant has struggled with injuries for most of this season, so his chances of playing against the Mavericks may be slimmer than Bane’s. With Scotty Pippen Jr. also doubtful, Cam Spencer and Yuka Kawamura could play rotation minutes on Sunday.

Jaren Jackson Jr. (back) and Santi Aldama (ankle) are doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Mavericks.

Friday’s loss to the Nuggets relegated the Grizzlies to the play-in tournament; depending on Sunday’s results, they’ll be the seventh or eighth seed. Most of the team’s key rotation players, including Jackson and Aldama, are doubtful for Sunday. Marvin Bagley III and GG Jackson are among those who should experience an increase in playing time, especially if the Grizzlies’ key frontcourt players don’t play.

Jamal Murray had 15 points (5-of-12 FGs), five rebounds, seven assists and one three-pointer against the Grizzlies on Friday.

Murray made it back for the Nuggets’ penultimate game of the season after missing six games due to a hamstring injury. The 28-year-old point guard played 32 minutes in the eight-point victory. It was a crucial win for the Nuggets, who could clinch a playoff spot with help from other teams. The Nuggets close out the year with a matchup against the Rockets on Sunday.

Michael Porter Jr. had seven points (2-of-8 FGs) and 12 rebounds against the Grizzlies on Friday.

Porter Jr. had scored at least 20 points in four of his last five games entering play Friday. Against the Grizzlies, he followed up that stretch with a dub of a performance. The 26-year-old small forward grabbed 12 rebounds, but his offensive game was nonexistent as he had just seven points on 2-of-8 shooting from the field. While Porter has lived up to his preseason ADP as a top-75 player this season, he could fall in drafts next year as a player without upside for much more than what we’ve seen to this point.

Aaron Gordon had 33 points (13-of-23 FGs), four rebounds, one steal, one block and two three-pointers against the Grizzlies on Friday.

Gordon put up his third game with at least 30 points over the last month against the Grizzlies Friday. The 29-year-old power forward stepped up his scoring as Jamal Murray was in his first game back from a hamstring injury. Gordon, who averages 14 points per game this year, had a ceiling game against a tough Memphis defense. His varied skillset allows him to fill any role the team needs him to and he showed up for the Nuggets once again.

Nikola Jokic had 26 points (11-of-19 FGs), 16 rebounds, 12 assists, two steals and one three-pointer in the Nuggets’ 117-109 victory over the Grizzlies on Friday.

Jokic has now put up a triple-double in four of his last five games. Jokic and the Nuggets secured an eight-point win for the second time this week. Denver still needs help from other teams, but the Nuggets have put themselves in position to clinch a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Jamal Murray (hamstring) is available for Friday’s game against the Grizzlies.

Murray is back in the Nuggets’ lineup after a six-game absence due to a hamstring injury. How much he’ll play against the Grizzlies is unknown. But at a minimum, Murray will replace Jalen Pickett in the starting lineup. Pickett is worth holding onto in deep active leagues, as his minutes increased after the Nuggets fired Michael Malone at the beginning of the week.

Nuggets interim coach David Adelman said Jamal Murray (hamstring) is trending toward playing in Friday’s game against the Grizzlies.

Murray has missed Denver’s last six games, last playing on March 26. Getting him back on Friday would be huge for the Nuggets, who still need a win to strengthen their position within the jam-packed Western Conference standings. If Murray plays, Jalen Pickett will return to the bench after starting Denver’s last two games.

Russell Westbrook logged 23 minutes in Sunday’s loss to the Pacers, finishing with 16 points (6-of-10 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs), five rebounds, four assists and one three-pointer.

Westbrook was again used in a reserve role on Sunday, providing solid value off the bench. With Jamal Murray (hamstring) still out, the veteran point guard does have a slightly higher fantasy ceiling. Jalen Pickett received the starting nod on Sunday, and he finished with four points, one rebound and two assists in 24 minutes. Whether it’s Pickett or Peyton Watson (three points, one rebound and three blocks) who starts, Westbrook remains a player worth rostering while Murray is out.

Nikola Jokic amassed 41 points (18-of-33 FGs, 2-of-3 FTs), 15 rebounds, 13 assists, two steals, one block and three three-pointers in 31 minutes in Sunday’s loss to the Pacers.

Jokic was almost unstoppable during the first half of Sunday’s game, dropping 29 points, six rebounds and nine assists. The Pacers slowed him down somewhat after halftime, as the Joker accounted for 12 points, nine rebounds and four assists after the break. It is unknown when Jamal Murray will return from his hamstring injury, so Jokic will have to continue to dominate the Nuggets’ offense until his sidekick is available.

Christian Braun shot 12-of-16 from the field and 3-of-3 from the foul line in Sunday’s loss to the Pacers, tallying 30 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three three-pointers in 31 minutes.

Braun dropped a season-high 30 points on Sunday, and this was his first game with at least 20 since March 14. With the Nuggets in a tight battle for seeding in the Western Conference and Jamal Murray (hamstring) sidelined, they will need more production from Braun during the season’s final week. Despite the Nuggets coming up short on the scoreboard, Sunday showed what he’s capable of. Denver plays three games during Week 23, starting with the Kings on Wednesday.

Jalen Pickett, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic will start Sunday’s game against the Pacers.

The Nuggets remain without Jamal Murray (hamstring), but it won’t be Peyton Watson or Russell Westbrook who replaces him in Sunday’s lineup. Pickett has received the nod in a change that gives him some fantasy relevance in deep leagues. Denver’s other four starters are unchanged.

Jamal Murray (hamstring) is out for Sunday’s game against the Pacers.

Murray will remain out on Sunday, and it’s unknown when he’ll be cleared to return. During his pregame availability, Nuggets coach Michael Malone said he hopes to have his starting point guard back in time for the playoffs. Fantasy managers whose leagues run through Week 23 may not be able to rely on Murray. Peyton Watson started Friday’s loss to the Warriors in Murray’s place, and the struggling Russell Westbrook also has a higher fantasy ceiling.

Jamal Murray (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Pacers.

Murray has missed Denver’s last four games with a hamstring injury. In Denver’s most recent game, a loss to Golden State on Friday, Peyton Watson started, with Nikola Jokic taking on even more playmaking responsibilities. Russell Westbrook is another possibility if Murray remains out, but the veteran point guard has struggled with his decision-making in recent games.

Christian Braun logged 38 minutes in Friday’s loss to the Warriors, accounting for 16 points (7-of-12 FGs), seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and two three-pointers.

Braun has been consistently productive throughout the season, exceeding his Yahoo! ADP (133) in eight- and nine-cat formats. Over the past two weeks, the third-year wing has been a top-50 player in fantasy basketball and has shown no signs of slowing down. After representing excellent value in drafts ahead of the 2024-25 season, it can be argued that Braun should be a top-75 pick next fall. The Nuggets finish Week 22 on Sunday against the Pacers.

Aaron Gordon amassed 15 points (4-of-8 FGs, 7-of-7 FTs), two rebounds, eight assists and one blocked shot in 34 minutes in Friday’s loss to the Warriors.

Gordon recorded eight assists for the second time in five games on Friday, finishing the Nuggets’ defeat with a solid stat line. Over the past two weeks, he has been a 10th-round player in eight-cat formats. On nights when the Nuggets are without Jamal Murray, there’s a little more room for Gordon to provide value as a playmaker, with Friday being a prime example. The Nuggets end Week 22 on Sunday against the Pacers.

Michael Porter Jr. accounted for 23 points (9-of-15 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), nine rebounds, two assists, one block and three three-pointers in 41 minutes in Friday’s loss to the Warriors.

Porter has scored 20 points or more in three straight games for the first time since early February. However, despite the recent decrease in scoring, he has still provided top-50 value over the past month. Porter’s efficiency has been a factor, as he has shot 49.7 percent from the field and averaged 17.4 points per game. Based on his Yahoo! ADP (73), fantasy managers expected Porter to be a top-75 player, and that has been the case. He’ll look to end Week 22 on a high note when the Nuggets host the Pacers on Sunday.

Nikola Jokic shot 13-of-17 from the field and 3-of-3 from the foul line in Friday’s loss to the Warriors, scoring 33 points with 12 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and four three-pointers in 37 minutes.

Back in the Nuggets’ lineup after missing Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs, Jokic finished one assist shy of a triple-double. While the Warriors couldn’t do much with the three-time MVP when he shot the ball, they were able to force six turnovers. The last time Jokic tallied at least six turnovers before Friday was March 5, when he was responsible for seven in a win over the Kings. Fantasy managers know the Joker’s work by now, so there’s no reason to lose sleep over the high turnover count. Denver returns home for its final game of Week 22, Sunday, against the Pacers.

Julian Strawther (knee) is available for Friday’s game against the Warriors.

Strawther is set to return after a month-long absence with a left knee sprain. While Jamal Murray is out with a hamstring injury, which opens up some minutes for the Nuggets, it’s unlikely that the team will push Strawther towards significant minutes in his first game back.

Christian Braun (foot) and Peyton Watson (knee) are available for Friday’s game against the Warriors.

The Nuggets are far deeper than they were in Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs, with Jamal Murray being the lone starter unavailable. Braun will occupy his usual place in the starting lineup after sitting out on Wednesday, and Watson will fill the void left by Murray. This raises his fantasy ceiling to where Watson can be streamed in deep leagues.

Nikola Jokic (ankle) and Aaron Gordon (illness, calf) are available for Friday’s game against the Warriors.

No surprise here as Jokic was listed as probable with an ankle injury. Jokic, Gordon and the rest of the Denver starters missed Wednesday’s game after playing a double overtime game against the Timberwolves the night before. Jokic and Gordon could have more playmaking opportunities with Jamal Murray (hamstring) sidelined Friday.