Both teams are tied at 37-23 for the season setting up a direct contest for the No. 4 position in the Western Conference. Denver enters as a slight home favorite per odds from DraftKings, looking to move on from a loss against Oklahoma City on Friday, which was a replay of last year’s conference semifinals. 

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Odds

• Minnesota Timberwolves: +2.5 (-110)
• Denver Nuggets: -2.5 (-110)
• Over: 237.5 (-110)
• Under: 237.5 (-110)

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Key Injuries

Denver Nuggets The Nuggets’ depth will once again be tested with multiple high-profile absentees. Anthony Gordon is confirmed to be out alongside Peyton Watson, who are both struggling with hamstring trouble. Tamar Bates is a long-term absentee while Spencer Jones is questionable and Cameron Johnson is probable for this one.

The Timberwolves are relatively healthy and almost have a clean injury slate. They have Julius Randle listed as questionable due to right lower-back spasms.

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Betting Trends

Denver has won the last three head-to-head meetings against Minnesota, including a 142-138 overtime thriller in their last matchup. The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in four consecutive games. 

Conversely, Denver is a perfect 3-0 ATS in their last three games against Minnesota. Denver has seen the Over hit in 38 of their 60 games (63.3%) this season. The Nuggets have been elite at covering on the road (21-12) but have struggled slightly at Ball Arena, posting a 13-14 ATS home record.

Keys to Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Matchup

The outcome of this game rests on Denver’s ability to work around Nikola Jokic’s customary brilliance. The Nuggets have shot well as a unit, scoring 120.5 points per game at more than 49% overall from the field. 

Much will depend on the inside battle between Rudy Gobert and Jokic, with Jamal Murray also recently picking form, which gives the Nuggets another important scoring threat. However, the Timberwolves will hope that Anthony Edwards can take charge.

The All-Star has been on a tear the entire campaign, averaging 29.6 points on the season. Minnesota will be determined to make use of the Nuggets’ thin rotation to dominate important stretches of the game.

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Prediction and Pick

While the Timberwolves are surging on the road, Denver’s historical edge in this specific matchup is hard to ignore. The Nuggets have won the last three times these teams met, and Jokic typically finds a way to neutralize Gobert’s rim protection by operating away from the paint, especially in the presence of Murray.

ATS Pick: Nuggets -2.5 O/U Pick: Under 237.5

The post Timberwolves vs. Nuggets prediction, odds, pick – 3/1/2026 appeared first on ClutchPoints.

After Gilgeous-Alexander discussed the plan the Thunder has in place for his first games back from injury, he reacted to Dort’s ejection in the fourth quarter.

“They’re obviously a high-level team. We’re a high-level team. We’ve seen each other a lot in the past couple of years. Might be a little more into the game because we know the opponent. But yeah, it was fun. It was good out there. End-of-season basketball is like that — it’s that physical. So, it’s good to get one of those in the regular season.

“As far as the scrummage, that’s how it usually goes. Something happens, a team roars, the other team roars. Lu got thrown out. Lu’s not that type of guy — Lu’s trying to go out there and win. I didn’t see what happened.”

SGA on Lu Dort’s ejection for scuffle with Nikola Jokic: “Lu’s not that type of guy — Lu’s trying to go out there and win.

I didn’t see what happened” pic.twitter.com/dJReEmNCHn

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

As Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic made his way back up the floor, Lu Dort checked the All-Star center by the knees, which resulted in him falling and getting into Lu’s face. Then, Thunder center Jaylin Williams got in between, and the pushing and shoving happened between Williams and Jokic. Upon review, Dort was hit with a flagrant-2.

Lu Dort with an absolutely dirty play on Nikola Jokic.

No room for this in the NBA.pic.twitter.com/Ft4z5QQwtu

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 28, 2026

The two centers earned double technical fouls.

Why Mark Daigneault sat SGA during overtime in Thunder win

Head coach Mark Daigneault discussed Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after Friday’s hard-fought win in overtime. Although Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t play in overtime for the Thunder, Daigneault had a perfectly good explanation as to why.

“He’s coming off a 24-day injury. There’s a return to play. One of the conditions of getting him on the court tonight is holding him at a certain point, minutes-wise,” Daigneault said. “We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein] before the game. Just so we’re all clear in a non-emotional moment, that if we were in that situation, that’s what we would do.

“We obviously did it. I understand it’s a little unorthodox, but, at the end of the day, we’re trying to prioritize the health of our players as they come back from an injury,” Daigneault concluded.

The Thunder will face the Mavericks on Sunday.

The post Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander keeps it 100 about Lu Dort’s ejection appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Tensions boiled over on Friday when Nuggets center Nikola Jokic ran up the court. Thunder’s Lu Dort backed into Jokic, sending him tumbling to the floor. Jokic stood up and chest-bumped Dort angrily. Jaylin Williams attempted to intervene, and he and Jokic exchanged shoves and grabbed each other’s jerseys before officials and team personnel separated them.

The normally mild-mannered Jokic took a moment to address the tense situation postgame.

“Unnecessary move, and a necessary reaction,” said Jokic. “There is no such thing — I think there’s not supposed to be those things on a basketball floor. So it was just an unnecessary move and a necessary reaction by me.”

Tensions boil over in battle between Nuggets, Thunder

Following a video review, officials upgraded the foul on Dort to a flagrant 2, triggering an automatic ejection with 8:03 remaining in the fourth quarter. Crew chief James Williams stated the contact was unnecessary, excessive, and carried a high potential for injury. Jokic and Williams each received technical fouls for their roles in the ensuing scrum.

Lu Dort was ejected after appearing to trip Nikola Jokic on this play.

Nikola Jokic and Jaylin Williams both received technical fouls. pic.twitter.com/ZFyNHpigsM

— ESPN (@espn) February 28, 2026

Despite the fourth-quarter scuffle, Jokic would record a triple-double, finishing with 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 14 assists. Jamal Murray led Denver in scoring with 39 points over 47 minutes.

The Nuggets would ultimately come up short, falling in overtime 121-127.

The Nuggets and the Thunder will face each other two more times before the end of the regular season. With the way things played out on Friday, the last two games between these teams are gearing up to be absolute cinema.

The post Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic speaks out after heated altercation with Thunder players appeared first on ClutchPoints.

After the win, Daigneault addressed Dort’s fourth-quarter ejection while reminding reporters of how familiar his Thunder team is with the Nuggets, coming off their seven-game series in the Western Conference semifinals.

“That was a chippy game. These are two teams that played each other in a seven-game series. We’re in the same division. We’ve played each other 100 times,” Daigneault said. “They know our playbook. We know their playbook. It’s just what it is. It’s going to be an imperfect game, and things escalate like that sometimes. I know Lu [Dort]. I know [Nikola] Jokic.

“I know J-Will. I don’t think anybody’s trying to hurt anybody; they’re just great competitors. That just boiled over. I think it was nothing more than that.”

Jaylin Williams & Nikola Jokic just went at it here in OKC.

Both could be ejected after Williams came to Lu Dort’s defense. Fight is now under review pic.twitter.com/1zxS2glQJT

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

One could argue that Nikola Jokic took his frustration from Lu Dort’s flagrant-2 out on Williams, who defended his teammate, as most centers do in the NBA. It most likely factored into the referees’ decision to keep Jokic in the game, slapping him and Jaylin with double technical fouls.

Daigneault’s only hope is that if the situation were reversed, Jokic would have been the one heading to the locker room due to a flagrant-2.

“I will say this: If J-Will is running up the floor and gets tripped, we expect a flagrant-2 from this point forward. That’s all,” Daigneault added. “If that’s the precedent, if that becomes a malicious play, and flagrant-2 is the line in the sand on that, we would expect that if it’s J-Will. We would expect that if it was anybody. And if that’s the case, we’re good.”

Mark Daigneault’s honest take on Lu Dort’s ejection after his scuffle with Nikola Jokic: “I will say this: If J-Will is running up the floor and gets tripped, we expect a Flagrant-2 from this point forward.

That’s all.” pic.twitter.com/HFTcdINFdN

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

Williams finished with 12 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one block off the bench before closing out the Thunder win in overtime.

Mark Daigneault on Thunder’s SGA missing overtime

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault sat Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in overtime of Friday’s win against the Nuggets. Coming off an abdominal injury that forced him to miss the Thunder’s previous nine games, Gilgeous-Alexander was on a minutes restriction that went unannounced ahead of the defending champions’ showdown against the Nuggets.

Daigneault explained what factored into the Thunder’s decision to keep Gilgeous-Alexander on the bench after the fourth quarter.

“He’s coming off a 24-day injury. There’s a return to play. One of the conditions of getting him on the court tonight is holding him at a certain point, minutes-wise,” Daigneault said. “We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein] before the game. Just so we’re all clear in a non-emotional moment, that if we were in that situation, that’s what we would do.

“We obviously did it. I understand it’s a little unorthodox, but, at the end of the day, we’re trying to prioritize the health of our players as they come back from an injury.”

Mark Daigneault on sitting SGA in OT: “He’s coming off a 24-day injury. There’s a return to play. One of the conditions of getting him on the court tonight is holding him to a certain point minutes-wise.

“We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein]” pic.twitter.com/WjoOQwiwO9

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

Gilgeous-Alexander’s 36 points, nine assists, three rebounds, two blocks, and two steals keyed a 16-point comeback by the Thunder in the second half before the defending champions closed out a win without their reigning MVP in overtime.

The post Mark Daigneault’s take on Lu Dort’s ejection after Nikola Jokic scuffle in Thunder win vs. Nuggets appeared first on ClutchPoints.

However, Daigneault and Gilgeous-Alexander, making his return after missing the past nine games due to an abdominal injury, set an unannounced minutes restriction that ran its course. Gilgeous-Alexander played just under 34 minutes (33:46) in regulation, which Daigneault pointed to as the end of SGA’s night regardless of the in-game situation.

“He’s coming off a 24-day injury. There’s a return to play. One of the conditions of getting him on the court tonight is holding him at a certain point, minutes-wise,” Daigneault said. “We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein] before the game. Just so we’re all clear in a non-emotional moment, that if we were in that situation, that’s what we would do.

“We obviously did it. I understand it’s a little unorthodox, but, at the end of the day, we’re trying to prioritize the health of our players as they come back from an injury.”

While starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, coming off a calf strain, was under the same restriction, Jaylin Williams finished the game, as Jared McCain started the extra period in place of Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“Unbelievable effort by the guys that were out there. The rest of the team didn’t know we had that conversation,” Daigneault added. “We just subbed the MVP and our starter at the beginning of overtime, and they attacked that game. They deserve a lot of credit for that.”

Mark Daigneault on sitting SGA in OT: “He’s coming off a 24-day injury. There’s a return to play. One of the conditions of getting him on the court tonight is holding him to a certain point minutes-wise.

“We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein]” pic.twitter.com/WjoOQwiwO9

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

Gilgeous-Alexander’s 36 points, nine assists, three rebounds, two blocks, and two steals led a 16-point comeback by the Thunder in the second half. Chet Holmgren finished with a career-high 21 rebounds, 15 points, and three blocks. Jared McCain’s 14 points on 6-for-8 shooting, including a pair of threes, led the bench.

Lu Dort’s flagrant-2 leads to Nikola Jokic scuffle vs. Thunder

Thunder veteran Lu Dort earned a flagrant-2 with 8:03 left in the fourth quarter for tripping Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic, which led to a physical altercation between the MVP candidate and Thunder center Jaylin Williams.

After review, the officials deemed Lu Dort’s foul against Nikola Jokic “unnecessary and excessive,” upgrading his common foul to a flagrant foul penalty two and ejecting him from the game. Williams and Jokic received double technical fouls, while Dort’s night came to an end.

Jokic finished with a dominating triple-double (23 points, 17 rebounds, 14 assists), as the Nuggets fell to the Thunder in a six-point loss in overtime.

The post Thunder’s Mark Daigneault explains why SGA sat out of OT in Nuggets loss appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Things got very heated, however, with 8:03 remaining in the fourth quarter between Nikola Jokic, Lu Dort, and Jaylin Williams.

Lu Dort unnecessarily moved backwards into the path of Nikola Jokic after a made basket by Oklahoma City, tripping the Nuggets star and sending him to the floor. An irate Jokic immediately stood up and confronted Dort, who had his arms out to the side wondering why the foul was called and why Jokic was coming after him.

That’s when Dort’s teammate, Jaylin Williams, entered the altercation. Both Jokic and Williams grabbed each other’s jerseys and did not let go as players, coaches, and security staff members from both teams tried to separate the two and keep other players from starting more altercations.

Nikola Jokic got into the face of Lu Dort and Jaylin Williams

pic.twitter.com/GvHKxeJM28

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 28, 2026

After review, the officials deemed Lu Dort’s foul against Nikola Jokic, “unnecessary and excessive,” upgrading his common foul to a flagrant foul penalty two and ejecting him from the game.

Both Nikola Jokic and Jaylin Williams were hit with technical fouls, with offset and added no additional free throws for either team.

Dort finished the game with eight points, six rebounds, and five fouls in 28 minutes of play.

The Thunder and Nuggets game did go into overtime after both teams missed shot attempts to retake the lead in the final 10 seconds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 36 points, three rebounds, nine assists, and two steals for the Thunder. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic entered overtime with 21 points, 17 rebounds, and 13 assists.

More to come…

The post Lu Dort’s flagrant 2 ejection leads to Nikola Jokic, Jaylin Williams altercation appeared first on ClutchPoints.

For the third consecutive season, Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic are the two leading candidates for MVP. Before Friday’s matchup, Adelman addressed the league’s 65-game regular-season requirement for NBA awards and how it could affect Jokic and SGA’s tight race.

“The rule wasn’t made for them. They both got hurt. They both always play. So, that part of it — maybe we have to take a look at that. I really mean that. That’s one of the best things about both guys,” Adelman said. “When a fan buys a ticket, they’re going to play. And they’ve done that over the years, and our guy has been doing it for a very long time. Him missing a game, him missing a practice, him missing a workout, is really hard for the guy.

“He’s a routine-based player, which is good for our game, good for fans, and Shai’s the same way. That’s one of the most impressive things about both guys. So, when both guys get hurt, I just don’t see that as rest. I think there’s a difference, and I know why the rule is in — it’s to clean things up. That makes sense to me as well for the fan.”

While the 65-game rule forces teams to play their stars regardless of their record, Nuggets coach David Adelman understands the importance of fans attending games. He just doesn’t think the rule should apply for guys like Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander, who rarely miss games intentionally.

“It’s the worst when your bus is parking, and you see kids in jerseys, and they show up, and that guy doesn’t play,” Adelman added. “I see it both ways, but in the spirit of the game, I just think Shai and Nikola have been so good for the league over these years. I would hope that gets taken into account as we go forward.”

David Adelman’s strong take on SGA & Jokic’s MVP race in relation to the NBA’s 65-game rule: “The rule wasn’t made for them. They both got hurt. They both always play. So, that part of it — maybe we have to take a look at that…

There’s a difference and I know why the rule is… pic.twitter.com/IWRsNt7krz

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returns for Nikola Jokic, Nuggets

After missing the previous nine games, Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returns from an abdominal injury for Friday’s showdown against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. It’s always must-see TV when Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic are going at it.

Coming off of last year’s Western Conference semifinals best-of-7 series, where the Thunder and Nuggets played a Game 7 at the Paycom Center, it should be another playoff-like intensity with SGA and Jokic taking center stage.

The post Nuggets’ David Adelman keeps it 100 about Nikola Jokic, SGA MVP race, 65-game rule appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Murray is going through the 10th year of his NBA career with the Nuggets. He is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, finally obtaining his first All-Star selection.

Murray initially played in the Nuggets’ last contest against the Boston Celtics on Feb. 25. However, he had the leave the game early as an illness prevented him continuing any further.

Despite the nagging illness, David Adelman addressed the media during Friday’s pregame press conference. He gave a positive update on Murray, providing a questionable status while expecting him to play.

“Denver head coach David Adelman says Jamal Murray still isn’t feeling well as he deals with an illness, but he expects him to play. The first-time All-Star guard is listed as questionable,” Martinez wrote.

What lies ahead for Jamal Murray, Nuggets

Jamal Murray will have to persevere through the illness while giving solid productions on the court.

Murray has played throughout 54 games this season in Year 9. He is averaging 25.1 points, 7.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and one steal per game. He is shooting 48.3% from the field, including 42.1% from beyond the arc, and 88.4% from the free-throw line. In the games he has played in, Denver is 33-21. Without him, the squad is 4-1 in his absences.

Denver has a 37-22 record on the season, holding the fourth spot in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Minnesota Timberwolves by 0.5 games and the Los Angeles Lakers by 2.5 games. However, they trail the Houston Rockets by 0.5 games and the San Antonio Spurs by six games.

Following Friday’s road matchup against the Thunder, the Nuggets will prepare for their next contest. They will be at home when they host the Timberwolves on March 1 at 3:30 p.m. ET.

The post Nuggets’ Jamal Murray expected to play vs. Thunder despite illness appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Jokic discussed Topic’s recent return with the Thunder, per DNVR Nuggets.

“I played with him, of course, a little bit when he was with the national team. He’s a really good guy — really talented,” Jokic said. “He’s the future of Serbian basketball. He’s fighting something that is probably more important — most important — and he won it.”

Nikola Jokić on Nikola Topić:

"He's the future of Serbian basketball."

"He's fighting something that is probably more important — most important — and he won it." pic.twitter.com/EZyDAQcusL

— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) February 26, 2026

Jokic calling Topic the future of Serbian basketball is an eye-opening compliment considering the Thunder rookie’s career is just getting started. He’s also off to an impressive beginning in helping the Thunder close out wins against the Brooklyn Nets and the Cleveland Cavs midst All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence. After missing the previous nine games, SGA will make his return for Friday’s showdown against the Nuggets.

The defending champions went 5-4 without Gilgeous-Alexander. Topic averaged 3.2 points on 43.8% shooting, including 40% from deep, 2.0 assists, 1.6 rebounds, and 10.6 minutes in fives games for the Thunder.

Thunder assign Nikola Topic to G League amid SGA’s return

The Thunder assigned Nikola Topic to join the Blue, its G League affiliate, on Friday. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander back from missing the past nine games, the Thunder has decided that Topic’s time would be better-suited in getting more reps with the Blue.

The Thunder’s G League affiliate is amidst a four-game home stand at the Paycom Center. The Thunder will embark on a three-game road trip after Friday’s matchup against the Nuggets.

The post Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic ‘future’ take on Thunder’s Nikola Topic appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The same cannot be said entirely about Jamal Murray, who has been listed as questionable on the official injury report. Murray is dealing with a severe illness that forced him to exit Wednesday’s win over the Boston Celtics prematurely.

And while the Nuggets are short-staffed, the same is true for the defending champions as well. Despite SGA being taken off the injury list, Jalen Williams, Thomas Sorber, Branden Carlson and Ajey Mitchell are all out.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Jamal Murray injury status vs. Thunder

The Nuggets will hope that Murray can fight through the illness. Murray lasted just eight minutes, scoring two points, before being completely shut down for the evening.

Following the win, Nuggets head coach David Adelman painted a grim picture of his point guard’s health, revealing that the team’s medical staff had aggressively treated the illness pregame to no avail. “He looked awful. They gave him all the medication. It did not help. All kinds of bodily things were happening,” Adelman had said.

Murray is averaging 25.1 points, 7.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting a highly efficient 48.3% from the field and 42.1% from 3-point range. Further, the Nuggets are already stretched thin.

They will be without Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson, both of whom are sidelined with right hamstring strains, joining the likes of Tamar Bates and Curtis Jones. Meanwhile, Spencer Jones and Jalen Pickett are listed as questionable, while Julian Strawther is probable to play despite a toe sprain.

Nuggets injury report

Jamal Murray: Questionable (Illness)

Spencer Jones: Questionable (Right Shoulder Strain)

Jalen Pickett: Questionable (Right Knee Soreness)

Julian Strawther: Probable (Left Great Toe Sprain)

Aaron Gordon: Out (Right Hamstring Strain)

Peyton Watson: Out (Right Hamstring Strain)

Tamar Bates: Out (Left Foot Surgery)

Curtis Jones: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Thunder injury report

Thomas Sorber: Out (Right ACL Surgical Recovery)

Ajay Mitchell: Out (Abdominal Strain/Left Ankle Sprain)

Jalen Williams: Out (Right Hamstring Strain)

Branden Carlson: Out (Low Back Strain)

The post Nuggets star Jamal Murray’s injury status vs. Thunder after ‘all kinds of bodily things were happening’ vs. Celtics appeared first on ClutchPoints.

However, all eyes are on the Thunder’s superstar point guard, who has been sidelined since before the All-Star break. And well, OKC fans will be delighted to find that Shai-Gilgeous Alexander is completely off the official injury list for the defending champions, which means that he is set to make his return after previously being cleared.

OKC still have injury concerns with Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell, Thomas Sorber and Branden Carlson all still out. The same is true for the Nuggets, who still have Jamal Murray listed as questionable alongside a slew of names on the injury list.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander injury status vs. Nuggets

After missing the Thunder’s last nine games due to an abdominal strain, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His return is not just important for the Thunder, but also for his own individual accolades.
The reigning MVP currently has only six games of wiggle room remaining under the NBA’s 65-game minimum rule to remain eligible for end-of-season awards. And considering staggering averages of 31.8 points, 6.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds, he is once again an MVP contender.

Shai’s battle will be against three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who is currently averaging a triple-double threat of 28.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 10.4 assists. In their only previous meeting this season on Feb. 1, Gilgeous-Alexander torched the Nuggets in the Mile High City, posting 34 points and 13 assists on 68% shooting to lead the Thunder to a 121-111 victory.

Thunder injury report

Ajay Mitchell: Out (Abdominal Strain/Left Ankle Sprain)

Jalen Williams: Out (Right Hamstring Strain)

Branden Carlson: Out (Low Back Strain)

Thomas Sorber: Out (Right ACL Surgical Recovery)

Nuggets injury report

Jamal Murray: Questionable (Illness)

Spencer Jones: Questionable (Right Shoulder Strain)

Jalen Pickett: Questionable (Right Knee Soreness)

Julian Strawther: Probable (Left Great Toe Sprain)

Aaron Gordon: Out (Right Hamstring Strain)

Peyton Watson: Out (Right Hamstring Strain)

Tamar Bates: Out (Left Foot Surgery)

Curtis Jones: Out (G League – Two-Way)

The post Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returning tonight? Thunder vs. Nuggets injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

For the first time in weeks, Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t on the Thunder’s injury report, clearing his path for Friday’s return against the Nuggets. Jalen Williams (right hamstring), Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain/left ankle sprain), and Branden Carlson (lower back) are ruled out for Oklahoma City.

The Nuggets will be without Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson due to respective right hamstring injuries. All-Star Jamal Murray is listed as questionable with an illness, and Julian Strawther is listed as probable.

The Nuggets are 4-6 in their last 10 games, coming off a 103-84 blowout win against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.

Mark Daigneault on SGA-less Thunder’s ‘mental toughness’

After a win against the Raptors, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault commended his team for its mental toughness in overcoming so many injuries, including those to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Ajay Mitchell. Without three of its top four scorers, the Thunder followed up its 121-113 win against the Cavs with a nine-point victory against the Raptors.

The Thunder coughed up 20+ point leads in both games, which, for Daigneault, was a testament to his team’s focus to close out a victory against two competitive teams.

“It becomes a very tough game to win when you blow a lead like that, and they come back and tie the game,” Daigneault said. “Even the Cleveland game over the weekend was like that; we had an early lead. They got all the way back in the game. They took a lead. It takes great mental toughness to just get yourself into the next possession.

“Cason was brilliant all night, but he was huge in that stretch. He had four straight points. And then, found Isaiah. So, he accounted for seven points right after the tie that opened the game back up. But great mental toughness by the team.”

Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will look to return to the win column in Friday’s matchup against the Nuggets.

The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander set to return for Thunder showdown vs. Nuggets appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Regardless, Tim Hardaway Jr. was involved in a hilarious moment during the post-game press conference. Hardaway Jr.’s presser was attended by just one reporter in the form of ClutchPoints’ Rachel Strand, with the announcer initially quizzing the room for questions.

Tim Hardaway Jr's press conference was 20 seconds long, and I wasn't gonna hold him up (the good question askers were in the locker room btw) #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/gP4PxnOI8r

— Rachel Strand (@MileHighRachel) February 26, 2026

“Is anyone back there?” he said, before Hardaway Jr. sought to conclude the conference.

“Alright, you all have a great evening. All good? All good? Perfect,” he exclaimed getting up, as the announcer once again pushed Strand to ask her question.

“No it’s alright. I think everybody was in the locker room,” Strand commented per a post on X.

“Tim Hardaway Jr’s press conference was 20 seconds long, and I wasn’t gonna hold him up (the good question askers were in the locker room btw) #MileHighBasketball,” she later wrote, clearly seeing the funny side of things.

The Nuggets held the Celtics to a season-low 84 points, out-rebounding Boston 54-48 (including 14 offensive boards) and dominating the paint by a 42-28 margin. Generating 17 deflections to Boston’s 11, Boston was limited to just 36 points in the second half.

Hardaway Jr. himself played an important role, coming off the bench to drop 14 points on 5-9 shooting, the second-highest points total for Denver in the game. Jokic’s 30 points came despite an overall average shooting night as he went 11-28 from the field, while Julian Strawther and Cameron Johnson added 12 and 11 points, respectively.

On the other hand, with Jayson Tatum sidelined, Jaylen Brown scrapped his way to 23 points on 21 attempts, with Derrick White adding 20 points and six rebounds. Neemias Queta was the third and final player for Boston to finish in double-digits, with 10 points.

The post Watch Nuggets’ Tim Hardaway Jr.’s viral podium game moment after only 1 reporter shows up appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Nikola Jokić on Nikola Topić:

"He's the future of Serbian basketball."

"He's fighting something that is probably more important — most important — and he won it." pic.twitter.com/EZyDAQcusL

— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) February 26, 2026

Jokic stated that he believed Nikola Topic was the future of basketball, and how they played together on the national team. Additionally, he stated that he believed that Topic was playing for something more important, and hoped he would see him soon.

Topic made his NBA debut recently for the Thunder and scored two points on three shots on February 12. Since then, he has played sporadically for the short-handed Thunder. But the overwhelming story was the fight he was battling outside the court.

In October 2025, Topic was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Since then, he has been battling the disease through chemotherapy, finishing three rounds by January 2026.

Topic represented the Serbian national team in 2023, averaging 15.3 points across seven FIBA U18 National Championship games. Significantly, his performance was enough to take home the MVP award. Topic is hoping to translate that game to the NBA level, while also fighting the hardest battle of his life.

Topic has been battling the disease for months, and continues the fight, as he tries to help the Thunder stay on top in spite of the massive amount of injuries they have. After getting high praise from Jokic, the young Serbian superstar could fulfill the prediction and morph into a great player in his own right. If Topic’s NBA journey is anything like Jokic’s, the best is possibly yet to come.

The post Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic names ‘future of Serbian basketball’ who will take his throne appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The good news is that the Nuggets still took care of business against the Celtics in their home turf, scoring a 103-84 win over one of the hottest teams in the association, and the team has, time and time again, proven that they can withstand the absences of their key players.

But it looks as though Murray should have never suited up for the Nuggets on the night to begin with. After the game, head coach David Adelman revealed that Murray was already heavily medicated to try and get him healthy enough to play, but he simply could not power through for the entirety of the game.

“He looked awful. They gave him all the medication. It did not help. All kinds of bodily things were happening,” Adelman said, via Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette.

Jamal Murray could be in line for a few rest days from the Nuggets

Murray deserves credit for pushing through and trying to play despite the illness he was experiencing. But the Nuggets have to be prioritizing the long game.

The battle for positioning in the West is as heated as ever, but there’s no reason to be risking life and limb over a regular season game.

Before exiting the game due to illness, Murray put up just two points in eight minutes of play. The Nuggets have one day off before they face the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road, although it remains to be seen if Murray would be healthy enough by then.

The post Nuggets’ Jamal Murray was in ‘awful’ shape before leaving Celtics game with illness appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“Jamal Murray is questionable to return with an illness,” Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reported via a social media post on X, formerly Twitter.

Early in the third quarter, Murray has been ruled out for the remainder of the game, per NBA insider Marc Stein.

Before he exited the game, the former Kentucky Wildcats star point guard had two points on 1-for-3 shooting from the field and an assist in only eight minutes of action.

Murray was deemed probable to play for this Nuggets matchup against Jaylen Brown and company, but for a hamstring issue. He was ultimately given the green light to see action, but apparently was not able to play a lot before an illness took him out of the contest.

In any case, his status is worth monitoring, with Denver’s backcourt already missing Jalen Pickett, who’s out with a knee injury.

The 29-year-old Murray has been solid since the resumption of action in the regular season following the NBA All-Star break. In the three games heading into the meeting with Boston, Murray averaged 22.0 points on a 45.5 percent shooting from the field and 39.1 percent from behind the arc, 5.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists.

Bruce Brown and Christian Braun will mostly cover the void left in the backcourt by Murray, while Nikola Jokic gets a bigger responsibility in running the show for the Nuggets’ offense.

Denver will play the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road next on Friday.

The post Nuggets’ Jamal Murray ruled out for rest of Celtics game with illness appeared first on ClutchPoints.

In the midst of it, head coach David Adelman has thrown in some optimism, claiming that he expects the entire group to be fit with plenty of regular-season games left.

“My hope is that we get the full group back with 20 games to go,” he said per a post on X by the Denver Post’s Bennett Durando.

Gordon, who hasn’t suited up since re-aggravating his hamstring on January 23 against Milwaukee, has finally resumed game-speed situational defensive drills. Meanwhile, Watson has been out since a grueling double-overtime loss to the New York Knicks on February 4.

However, the coaching staff is targeting a return for the complete core with about 20 games remaining in the regular season. That is extremely optimistic considering Denver only has 24 games remaining.

Before his left hamstring strain halted his momentum, Watson was putting together a monstrous stretch. From the start of the calendar year to his February 4 injury, the 22-year-old was averaging 21.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.1 steals while shooting a blistering 45.7% from three-point range.

The urgency to get Gordon and Watson back on the floor has been compounded by Nikola Jokic recently picking up a hand injury. Jokic is carrying an unfathomable statistical load, averaging 28.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 10.5 assists while shooting 58% from the floor and 42% from deep.

However, that has not stopped the Nuggets from dropping games, which further points to the importance of the absentees. Gordon, in particular, is not merely an important two-way presence on the roster. He also has a knack of coming good at the business end of the season, and Denver would prefer to have him fully fit and firing.

The post Nuggets’ Aaron Gordon, Peyton Watson’s injury returns teased by David Adelman appeared first on ClutchPoints.

According to the official NBA injury report, Jamal Murray is listed as probable as he manages right hamstring tightness. Meanwhile, Denver will be without key defensive anchors Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson, who both remain sidelined with hamstring strains.

The Boston Celtics had not submitted their injury list at the time of writing but are expected to be better-equipped than their opponents. Jayson Tatum is the only certain absence as Jaylen Brown is nursing a bruised right knee, which kept him out against the Phoenix Suns.

Jamal Murray injury status vs. Celtics

Given Jamal Murray is probable on the injury report, the assumption is he will be suiting up in what is a marquee lineup. Murray contributed 21 points but only had 9-17 on shooting in the loss against the Golden State Warriors and will be itching to return to prime form.

Denver boasts a high-octane attack, averaging a league-best 120.8 points per game with a blistering 118.9 offensive rating. They are spearheaded by MVP frontrunner Nikola Jokic, who comes into Wednesday scorching hot with five triple-doubles in his last seven games, bringing his league-leading total to 21.

However, Denver’s defense has faltered mightily without Gordon and Watson, slipping to 24th in points conceded per 100 possessions (114.7). Even without franchise cornerstone Jayson Tatum (Achilles rehab) and with leading scorer Jaylen Brown (right knee contusion) listed as day-to-day, the Celtics have been an absolute juggernaut.

They ride a four-game winning streak into the Mile High City, having won nine of their last ten, while surrendering an NBA-low 107.6 points per game. In such a scenario, Murray’s presence becomes even more crucial.

He has averaged 25.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per appearance and is largely expected to play a role once again.

Celtics injury report

Jaylen Brown: Day-to-Day/Probable (Right Knee Contusion)

Jayson Tatum: Out (Achilles Rehab)

Nuggets injury report

Jamal Murray: Probable (Right Hamstring Tightness)

Julian Strawther: Probable (Left Great Toe Sprain)

Aaron Gordon: Out (Right Hamstring Strain)

Peyton Watson: Out (Right Hamstring Strain)

Tamar Bates: Out (Left Foot Surgery)

Jalen Pickett: Out (Right Knee Soreness)

Curtis Jones: Out (G League Two-Way)

The post Is Jamal Murray playing tonight? Nuggets vs. Celtics injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Oklahoma City Thunder star has missed seven straight games as a result of an abdominal injury he suffered on Feb. 3 against the Orlando Magic. When the Thunder announced this injury, it was said that their MVP would be re-evaluated after the All-Star break.

Initially, the hope was that Gilgeous-Alexander would be cleared to return within the team’s first few games after the All-Star break, but nothing has been said. With five of their next six games on the road, will SGA return from his injury during the Thunder’s upcoming road trip?

Since suffering this injury, the Thunder have gone 4-3, picking up a much-needed key win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night. This game marked Gilgeous-Alexander’s seventh consecutive missed game and his ninth overall absence this season.

That means Gilgeous-Alexander can only miss a maximum of eight more games to remain eligible for end-of-season honors and awards. Although he is still in a good spot, that could change immediately if the reigning MVP is unable to return to the court this upcoming week.

This year’s race for the NBA MVP award is heavily contingent on who can remain healthy, as almost all of the players inside the top five of these rankings are nearing the 17 maximum allowed absences to remain eligible.

Previous 2023-24 NBA MVP Rankings: Week 17 | Week 16 | Week 15 | Week 14 | Week 13 | Week 12 | Week 11 | Week 10 | Week 9 | Week 8 | Week 7 | Week 6 | Week 5 | Week 4 | Week 3 | Week 2 | Week 1

1. Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets*

Previous ranking: #1

2025-26 season stats: 42 games, 28.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, 10.5 assists, 1.4 steals, 58.4 FG%, 42.1 3P%

In his three appearances after the All-Star break, Jokic has averaged 29.7 points, 15.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game while shooting 51.7 percent from the floor and 42.9 percent from 3-point range. Those are MVP-like numbers for the three-time MVP despite the Denver Nuggets losing two of these games.

The argument for the MVP award right now seems to be focused on availability, as Jokic has played in 42 games compared to Gilgeous-Alexander’s 49 games. Has Jokic done enough in his fewer appearances to justify winning the MVP award over Gilgeous-Alexander, whose team is still the best in the NBA?

That is certainly a big debate many don’t have an answer to at this time, and it’s the main reason why Gilgeous-Alexander’s injury return is so critical to the MVP race.

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder

Previous ranking: #2

2025-26 season stats: 49 games, 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 55.4 FG%, 39.0 3P%

There are still no updates on when Gilgeous-Alexander may return to the court. Until then, the MVP race is sort of in a holding pattern, as four or five more missed games will put him almost even with Jokic in terms of time missed.

Nonetheless, Gilgeous-Alexander still ranks second in the league in scoring, and the Thunder (44-14) own the best record in the NBA. He may be ranked No. 2 in the NBA MVP rankings right now, but this is really a 1A and 1B situation between him and Jokic.

Neither player is the wrong answer for MVP with seven weeks remaining in the regular season.

3. Cade Cunningham – Detroit Pistons

Previous ranking: #3

2025-26 season stats: 49 games, 25.5 points, 9.8 assists, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 46.3 FG%, 33.8 3P%

What Cade Cunningham has achieved for the Detroit Pistons this season is remarkable. Not only do the Pistons own the best win percentage in the league at this moment, but Cunningham leads the league in total assists, and the only player averaging more assists per game is Jokic.

In his first game out of the All-Star break, Cunningham put on a show against the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden. The Pistons’ All-Star recorded 42 points for his third 40-point performance of the season, and he also added 13 assists and eight rebounds to his name.

Cunningham has back-to-back double-doubles with 13 assists since the All-Star break. He is firmly in the No. 3 spot in these MVP rankings.

4. Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs*

Previous ranking: #5

2025-26 season stats: 42 games, 24.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, 51.1 FG%, 35.7 3P%

Wembanyama has leapfrogged Luka Doncic for the No. 4 spot in the NBA MVP rankings for a few reasons. Aside from the San Antonio Spurs closing in on the Thunder for the best record in the NBA, Wemby has been on a hot streak as of late.

Since his dominant 40-point, 12-rebound double-double against the Los Angeles Lakers before the All-Star break, Wembanyama has averaged 23.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 50.0 percent from the floor over his last three games.

The Spurs are undefeated in this stretch, and Wembanyama has led his team to eight consecutive wins. That is the longest active win streak in the NBA.

5. Luka Doncic – Los Angeles Lakers*

Previous ranking: #4

2025-26 season stats: 44 games, 32.8 points, 8.5 assists, 7.7 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 47.1 FG%, 35.5 3P%

There is no denying that this has been the second-best season of Luka Doncic’s career since he finished third in the MVP voting during the 2023-24 season. Not only is Doncic leading the league in scoring, but he’s also leading the league in 3-pointers made and attempted per game, as well as free throws made and attempted per game.

Offensively, Doncic is locked in right now, and the only word to describe his play right now is dominant.

However, Doncic’s ceiling in the NBA MVP race has pretty much been decided this season. He can’t pass Jokic or Gilgeous-Alexander so long as their teams remain ahead in the West standings, and Cunningham has locked himself into the No. 3 spot right now.

Between Wembanyama and Doncic, the Spurs’ star has the upper hand both in head-to-head and in terms of his overall impact on his team’s championship aspirations this season. Doncic has missed 12 games this year, meaning he will need to remain healthy this year to qualify for awards and honors.

Just missing the cut

6. Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics [Ranked No. 6 last week]

7. Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers [Ranked No. 8 last week]

8. Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves [Ranked No. 7 last week]

9. Jalen Brunson – New York Knicks [Ranked No. 9 last week]

10. Kevin Durant – Houston Rockets [Unranked last week]

*Signals player is in danger of meeting 65-game minimum threshold for awards/accolades.

The post ClutchPoints’ NBA MVP Mondays: How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s injury impacts race appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Right before tip-off, which was at an early 12:30 p.m. local time, Golden State had announced that Green was a late scratch with low back tightness. This prompted the Warriors to go with Al Horford, who scored 22 points in the highest scoring game as a member of the team, leading to Adelman admitting how “confusing” it was to see the late injury for Green.

“That was confusing,” Adelman said, via ESPN. “I think that’s why we give injury reports. Obviously, the game plan was very different.”

The loss stings for Denver as Golden State was missing arguably their top four players in the known season-ending injury for Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry, who continues to be out, along with Kristaps Porzingis with an injury, and Green. While it was also Denver’s third road game in four days coming out of the All-Star break, there’s no denying that the team won’t use it as an excuse.

Nikola Jokic gets real on what the Warriors had over the Nuggets

Jokic, who’s coming off an injury himself, had a fantastic game where he recorded 35 points, 20 rebounds, 12 assists, three steals, and two blocks. Though he even admitted that Golden State had “better energy,” via Sports Illustrated.

“They had better energy, and since I (subbed into the fourth quarter), I think it was tied score, I missed three, they made three, I had a turnover, they made like a six, 7-0 run quick, and they were up to 13, 11, or whatever. So we really couldn’t find an open shot; they were finding open shots, they were making like they did the whole game,” Jokic said.

At any rate, Denver looks to bounce back with their next game on Wednesday night against the Boston Celtics.

The post Nuggets’ David Adelman makes ‘confusing’ confession about Draymond Green’s late injury scratch appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Nuggets have dropped six of their last nine games, and their star player isn’t mincing his words.

“I’m definitely concerned, because we are losing the games,” said Jokic. “We are losing the games, and we are not creating open looks. So that’s something that we need to change. … I don’t know what it is, but we need to figure it out.”

Following the loss, guard Christian Braun pointed to a lack of physicality and positioning as the root cause of Denver’s struggles.

“I think a lot of it this year has just been not holding our spots. Not being tough enough,” said Braun. “It has nothing to do with our process down the stretch. It has nothing to do with anything besides, we need to hold our spots.”

The Warriors took advantage of Denver’s defensive lapses, with Brandin Podziemski erupting for 12 points in the final five minutes to seal the victory.

Now sitting at 36-22, the Nuggets face a critical stretch ahead. After a few days of rest, they will face the Boston Celtics at home on Wednesday. Then on Friday, they’ll face the Oklahoma City Thunder, who currently have the league’s best record.

With the playoffs approaching and the Nuggets wanting to maintain their legitimate contender status, they will have to find a way to close out these games.

The post Nikola Jokic ‘definitely concerned’ as Nuggets struggle in clutch appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Jamal Murray is on the injury report alongside several Nuggets rotation players, with the star guard initially listed as questionable due to a hamstring issue, per the official injury report. Murray has since been upgraded to available, but Denver will continue to be without standouts Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson.

However, the Golden State Warriors have major worries of their own, with Stephen Curry confirmed to be out alongside Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis.

Jamal Murray injury status vs. Warriors

Murray was listed as questionable until right before tip-off, so his situation will be something to monitor. The first-time All-Star did play on both ends of a recent back-to-back coming out of the All-Star break.

Murray is averaging 25.7 points, 7.6 assists, and 4.5 rebounds while posting an elite 61.5 true shooting percentage. His importance has grown even further during stretches without Nikola Jokic, where Murray has elevated his production to 27.8 points and 8.3 assists across 12 games.

Denver enters the game at 36-21 and the No. 3 seed with a strong 21-10 road record, while Golden State sits 29-27 and has struggled without Stephen Curry.

Nuggets injury report

Jamal Murray: Available (hamstring)

Aaron Gordon: Out (hamstring)

Peyton Watson: Out (hamstring)

Jalen Pickett: Out (knee soreness)

Tamar Bates: Out (foot surgery)

Warriors injury report

Stephen Curry: Out (right knee bone bruise / patella-femoral pain syndrome)

Jimmy Butler III: Out (ACL tear — season-ending)

Seth Curry: Out (injury management)

Nate Williams: Out (injury)

Malevy Leons: Out (injury)

LJ Cryer: Out (injury)

Kristaps Porzingis: Out (illness)

The post Nuggets’ Jamal Murray available vs. Warriors after landing on injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

However, Porzingis has since been ruled out due to a “general illness.” Here’s everything we know about what’s going on with Porzingis.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Kristaps Porzingis injury status vs. Nuggets

Porzingis was fully expecting to play Sunday, but ESPN’s Anthony Slater reports the big man got sick overnight. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said he “got a text this morning that Kristaps Porzingis woke up pretty sick and won’t even be at the arena.” Kerr added it’s unclear what Porzingis’ status will be for the upcoming two-game road trip.

Porzingis has gone through transition and careful workload management during the 2025-26 campaign. He began the season with the Atlanta Hawks, appearing in 17 games and averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. That was before a left Achilles issue and illness sidelined him through early January and into the All-Star break.

He was acquired by Golden State at the Feb. 5 trade deadline in a deal that sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta. Porzingis debuted Feb. 19 against Boston, tallying 12 points and a block in 17 minutes. Golden State was hoping to bump up his minutes against Denver.

Sunday’s matchup carries weight. The Warriors (29-27), currently eighth in the West, aim to halt a two-game skid without Curry, Jimmy Butler (ACL surgery) and now Porzingis as well. The Nuggets (36-21) sit third in the conference behind MVP candidate Nikola Jokic. They seek to build momentum despite injury concerns of their own. The season series is tied 1-1.

So, when it comes to the question of if Kristaps Porzingis is playing tonight vs. the Nuggets, the answer is no. And given his unique bouts with illness over the last couple years, this situation is worth monitoring and brings about some real concern.

Warriors injury report

• Kirstaps Porzingis: Out (Left Achilles; Injury Management)
• Stephen Curry: Out (Right Patellofemoral; Pain Syndrome)
• Seth Curry: Out (Left Sciatic Nerve; Irritation)
• Jimmy Butler III: Out (Right ACL; Surgery)
• LJ Cryer: Out (G League – Two-Way)
• Malevy Leons: Out (G League – Two-Way)
• Nate Williams: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Nuggets injury report

• Jamal Murray: Questionable (Right Hamstring; Tightness)
• Aaron Gordon: Out (Right Hamstring; Strain)
• Tamar Bates: Out (Left Foot; Surgery)
• Jalen Pickett: Out (Right Knee; Soreness)
• Peyton Watson: Out (Right Hamstring; Strain)

The post Warriors’ Kristaps Porzingis out vs. Nuggets with illness appeared first on ClutchPoints.

They delivered one in emphatic fashion. On Friday night, the Nuggets obliterated the Portland Trail Blazers 157-103.

Nikola Jokic led the charge and delivered one of his best performances since returning from injury. He finished the night with 32 points on 10-of-15 shooting. He was also 3-of-4 from three-point range.

“We had a really good game. Everybody stepped up, everybody played with a lot of energy,” said Jokic. “Defense was playing on a high level. We were making shots. We had a good start, like really, it was a perfect game for us.”

Nuggets bounce back with massive win over Trail Blazers

The Nuggets’ 157 points are the most any team has scored in a single game this season. From a franchise perspective, it’s the seventh-highest total in franchise history. The 54-point margin of victory also stands as the second-largest win in franchise history.

“We were creating open looks. The ball was going in, then you feel confident,” Jokic continued. “We were playing for each other out there.”

The entire Nuggets roster put on a show, with seven players ending the night in double figures scoring. Jamal Murray was lethal from deep, going 6-of-12 on three-point attempts. He would finish the night with 25 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Julian Strawther, who was placed in the starting lineup, continued his hot streak with 19 points on 9-of-16 shooting. Whenever Strawther was on the court, the Nuggets were a mind-boggling +48.

The Nuggets will finish up their short road trip when they visit the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.

The post Nikola Jokic leads charge as Nuggets crush Trail Blazers by 54 appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Adelman was asked about his favorite childhood memories from Portland, and his response became an impassioned plea.

“They gotta keep the team here. They gotta find a way to do that. This is a basketball city. The Northwest deserves two teams. That would be crushing for this community… Emotionally, I know what this place is and what it means to have a professional basketball team here. It’s not just something to go hang out at. It’s something go and be a part of,” he said per a post on X by journalist Brenna Greene.

David Adelman was asked about his favorite childhood memories in Portland by @katywinge and it turned into an impassioned statement as to why the Blazers should remain in PDX:

"They gotta keep the team here. They gotta find a way to do that. This is a basketball city. The… pic.twitter.com/Gz95dpdVbN

— Brenna Greene (@BrennaGreene_) February 21, 2026

Adelman spent a major part of his childhood in Portland as he is the son of former Trail Blazers head coach Rick Adelman, who also previously played for the team. The Trail Blazers have been in Portland for more than 55 years, but the expected approval of Tom Dundon’s purchase at a valuation exceeding $4 billion may change things.

The arena’s infrastructure limitations, combined with the new ownership and the fact that the long-term lease expires in 2030 has brought in uncertainty about the future. The Trail Blazers are the region’s only major men’s professional sports franchise in leagues such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, or NHL, which further adds to the importance of the team staying in the city.

However, the immediate relocation appears unlikely. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has indicated that relocation is “not on the table now,” though the phrasing leaves the future uncertain, per WRAL News.

The post Nuggets’ David Adelman reveals favorite childhood Portland memory appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Hardaway Jr. entered the night needing just one triple to reach the milestone. He didn’t keep the Mile High faithful waiting long. With the Nuggets offense clicking early, Hardaway Jr. found himself with a clean look from deep and buried it, becoming just the 16th player in NBA history to reach the 2,000-mark. It’s a testament to the longevity and pure scoring ability of a player who has been a flamethrower for the New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, and now the Nuggets.

Tim Hardaway Jr knocks down his 2,000th career 3PT
pic.twitter.com/YPudQxxMzl

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 21, 2026

The veteran’s milestone provided a perfect spark for a Denver team that is currently navigating life without Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson.

While the game is currently at halftime, the Nuggets have kept the scoreboard humming. Hardaway Jr. has already chipped in eight points on 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc, while star center Nikola Jokic is orchestrating the floor as usual with 24 points and four assists at the break.

On the other side, the Trail Blazers are putting up a fight in front of their home crowd. Despite the absence of Shaedon Sharpe, the Blazers have relied on balanced scoring to keep things tight, with Donovan Clingan leading the way.

As the second half tips off, all eyes are on whether Denver can pull away, but the story of the night is already written.

The post Nuggets’ Tim Hardaway Jr hits career milestone with wide-open 3-pointer vs. Blazers appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The fourth year guard was traded to the Clippers on NBA trade deadline day in a package that also brought Isaiah Jackson and a couple of draft picks to Los Angeles in exchange for All-Defensive center Ivica Zubac.

In just his third game with the team since being acquired — and his first game inside Intuit Dome as a Clipper — Mathurin came up huge in the Clippers’ comeback victory.

Bennedict Mathurin scored 38 points in his first game at home, leading the Clippers to a 115-114 win over Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. The guard shot 12-of-22 from the field and 12-of-13 from the free throw line in the victory, scoring 11 points off the bench in the first quarter and pouring in 16 fourth quarter points to close out the win.

“He’s been doing it,” Kawhi Leonard said of his new teammate. “It’s great to have another scorer that can get 30 points, watched him in the NBA Finals [against the Oklahoma City Thunder]. He was doing it in the Finals last year, all year last year with the Pacers, so it’s great to have him.”

Kawhi Leonard on Bennedict Mathurin's 38-point night vs. Nuggets:

“He's been doing it. It's great to have another scorer that can get 30 points, watched him in the Finals. He was doing it in the Finals last year, all year last year with the Pacers, so it's great to have him.” pic.twitter.com/rDreMcknPn

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 20, 2026

Mathurin had a couple of big performances for the Indiana Pacers last postseason, including a 27-point performance in Game 3 to help his team take a 2-1 series lead and a 24-point, 13-rebound performance in Game 7 after Tyrese Haliburton suffered the torn Achilles tendon.

“He’s been aggressive since he’s been playing with us, but it was great,” Leonard added. “Like you said, he scored 11 in the first, and he kept it going from there. He got out in transition, made some layups, hit some big three-point shots. Guarded pretty well as well, so it’s been a great pickup.”

Bennedict Mathurin has increased his scoring, rebounding, and assisting in three consecutive seasons, but now has a chance to develop a consistency that was not as available to him in Indiana under head coach Rick Carlisle.

“It’s going to be awesome [playing under head coach Tyronn Lue],” Mathurin said after last night’s victory. “He might end up being my best friend. He told me to be aggressive, man. He told me to be myself, and I feel like he really knows my game. He really knows what I can do. So, I’m glad to have him as a coach and I think that bringing everybody along, we can do a lot of great things.”

Thursday night was also the second consecutive game that Mathurin has reached double-digit free throw attempts, displaying an ability to not only score at a high level, but put pressure on the defense and get to the free throw line, where he’s shot 83.6 percent in his career.

The post Kawhi Leonard calls Bennedict Mathurin “great pickup” after 38 point game vs. Nuggets appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Down three points, the Nuggets first-time NBA All-Star guard was fouled on a three-point shot attempt with 0.9 remaining on the game clock and no timeouts remaining for either team. Murray, a historically clutch free throw shooter, stepped up to the free throw line facing the Clippers Wall with a chance to tie the game and all but likely send it to overtime.

Jamal Murray swished the first free throw, hit the back of the rim on the second made free throw, and then had to pause for roughly 30 seconds due to substitutions before taking his third and final free throw for the tie. That shot swung towards the right side of the rim and rolled right out to the left, effectively giving the Clippers the win.

Jamal Murray vs. the Wall… misses the last of 3 free throws for the tie and the Clippers hold on to win. pic.twitter.com/nFuWFgi1Gx

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 20, 2026

“What was going through my head?” Kawhi Leonard reiterated when he was asked that question after the gam. “Uh, I was just hoping he was gonna miss one, really, sh-t” Kawhi Leonard said. “I mean, we were up three, he knocked down the first two, so really just hoping he would miss.”

Kawhi Leonard on what was going through his head during Jamal Murray’s game-tying free throws:

“I was just hoping he was gonna miss one, really, shit. I mean, we were up three, he knocked down the first two, so really just hoping he would miss.” https://t.co/BYVzOwVuLO pic.twitter.com/0oG8ybH6oS

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 20, 2026

An 88.7 percent shooter on the season, Jamal Murray has missed 11 free throws in clutch situations this season (defined as a five-point game in the final five minutes). Murray is also just 11-of-18 from the free throw line in the final minute of a game separated by three points or less this season.

Kawhi Leonard finished Thursday night’s game with 23 points on 8-of-18 shooting to go along with four rebounds and three assists. The Clippers forward was clearly dealing with some kind of cold or illness after the game, which is why Bennedict Mathurin’s big performance was much-needed.

In just his third game with the LA Clippers, Mathurin scored 38 points on 12-of-22 shooting from the field and 12-of-13 from the free throw line. The 38-point performance is the most scored by a Clippers in their home debut and also tied a personal career-high for the fourth year guard out of Arizona.

The post Kawhi Leonard’s hilarious response to Jamal Murray’s missed clutch free throw appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Denver took a 13-4 lead over the Clippers quickly into Thursday night’s contest, trapping Kawhi Leonard 30 feet from the basket and forcing him to make other players create. Bennedict Mathurin checked in midway through the third quarter, and immediately contributed 11 points off the bench in six first quarter minutes.

It was a far cry from the Mathurin everyone saw debut for the Clippers a week ago against the Houston Rockets, and was the one the Clippers needed against the Nuggets.

“The conversation we had was in the first game in Houston,” head coach Tyronn Lue said of Bennedict Mathurin. “I thought he came out really passive, turned down some shots, wasn’t aggressive. I pulled him to the side during a timeout and told him, ‘you’ve got to be aggressive, you’ve got to be who you are, and we’ll figure out the rest.’ We needed it every bit of it tonight. Him being aggressive, getting to the basket, getting to the free throw line, and making some big shots for us.”

Mathurin not only jump-started the Clippers offense and didn’t let up all night. In just his third game since the trade deadline deal that brought him over from the Indiana Pacers, Bennedict Mathurin recorded a Clippers franchise record for points in a home debut. The Clippers guard led the way with 38 points on 12-of-22 shooting from the field and 12-of-13 from the free throw line.

“Man, it’s going to be awesome [playing for Tyronn Lue],” Mathurin said after the win. He might end up being my best friend. He told me to be aggressive, man. He told me to be myself, and I feel like he really knows my game. He really knows what I can do. So glad to have him as a coach. And I think that bringing everybody along, we can do a lot of great things.”

Kawhi Leonard, who was dealing with an illness, recorded 23 points, four rebounds, and three assists, but saw double-teams and traps all night by the Nuggets defense that made it difficult for him to find a rhythm. He did, however, have a 10 point third quarter that helped the Clippers win the minutes that Bennedict Mathurin was off the floor.

“The trade happened so fast, man,” Mathurin added. “I got time to speak with [Kawhi] a little bit, just to catch up with him after All-Star. Great guy! So pretty much trying to build that connection as quick as we can so we can make a deep run in the playoffs.

Mathurin started the game with 11 points in the opening period and closed it out with 16 points in the final frame to cap off his 38-point performance.

“It’s fun to see how my teammates were happy for me,” Mathurin said after the win. “Just winning, actually winning my second game with the team. So far, so good.”

Mathurin recorded his second straight game with double-digit free throw attempts, repeatedly displaying an ability to take contact, finish through contact, and get to the free throw line.

“I think that I’ve always been just being aggressive, just going to the rim.,” Mathurin added after the win. “It’s one of my biggest strengths. So I think that, you know, just knowing when to take a shot or be aggressive, kind of the difference between that.”

In three games with the Clippers thus far, Bennedict Mathurin is averaging 21 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.0 steals per game in 30 minutes a night.

The Clippers are right back at it Friday night when they take on the Los Angeles Lakers inside Staples Center, which will be the second game of a back-to-back set.

The post Bennedict Mathurin breaks silence after dropping 38 points in Clippers home debut vs. Nuggets appeared first on ClutchPoints.

However, this campaign has been especially unforgiving for the Nuggets on the injury front, with players such as Jokic, Gordon, Braun, new addition Cam Johnson, and now breakout star Peyton Watson missing significant time with significant knocks. The goal, of course, for the Nuggets is to simply get through the regular season slog in one piece, and even that isn’t certain considering their situation at present.

Be that as it may, the Nuggets have called upon a few unlikely contributors to step up, and to their credit they have. But the Nuggets front office knows that time is ticking on them. Their salary cap obligations are about to balloon significantly, as Watson is set for a new big contract. To keep Watson, the Nuggets will have to dive into the luxury tax if they choose to keep their current roster together for the next few seasons.

This prompted them to pull off a salary dump trade prior to the deadline, shipping off former second-round pick Hunter Tyson along with a 2032 second-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets just to duck the luxury tax. They were $1.8 million under the luxury tax in the aftermath of the Tyson trade before they made the move they had to to comply with the 14-roster size requirement.

Spencer Jones’ Nuggets future is safe… for now

In an ideal world, the Nuggets would have unlimited resources, and they can keep their core together without having to be overly cautious of the punitive nature of the luxury tax under the current CBA. Alas, the Nuggets are not living in an ideal world.

The luxury tax payments aren’t exactly the problem when one ducks the apron. Of course, that plays a factor, as owners are very adamant about at least not hemorrhaging money, but the roster move restrictions that being in the first or even second apron entail makes roster building that much more difficult.

The Nuggets at least wanted to get underneath the tax this season to reset their timer, as their hand will be forced very soon. Nonetheless, they finalized the easy transaction of converting Spencer Jones’ contract to a standard one, making him eligible for the postseason.

Jones is one of the players the Nuggets have relied on to help fill for their injured starters. In fact, the 24-year-old sophomore has made 34 starts for the Nuggets this season, which is nothing short of a huge developmental win for a team that’s in need of some cost-effective yet productive players to fill the roster.

Jones plays unselfishly and he shoots efficiently, and it was a no-brainer for the Nuggets to convert his deal to a standard one considering how important he’s been this season. His impact doesn’t jump off the stat sheet, but as a 6’7″ wing who can shoot and defend multiple positions, he’s very much invaluable for a team with contending aspirations.

However, the problem is that the Nuggets were only able to convert his contract to a prorated minimum deal for the rest of the season instead of inking him to a multi-year contract which would keep him in the Mile High City on an affordable arrangement for the next few seasons.

With this agreement in place, Jones will be eligible for restricted free agency this summer, and if he ends up making seven more starts for the Nuggets, he’ll be eligible for a qualifying offer worth $5.9 million — reducing the Nuggets flexibility even further amid their present troubles navigating the salary cap.

At the very least, the Nuggets now have Johnson and Braun healthy, and they have been riding Julian Strawther’s hot hand as of late, reducing their need to rely on Jones to fill in as a starter. It was going to be hard for the Nuggets to keep Jones out of the starting lineup had things not improved on their end on the injury front, but now, they have a valid reason to bring him off the bench.

But it looks like the hard part is only beginning for the Nuggets.

The bill is coming due for Denver

The Nuggets were thoroughly impressed by the 2024-25 campaign Braun had, as he stepped up in the aftermath of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s departure in free agency. Braun signed a five-year, $125 million contract extension — a significant commitment for the Nuggets knowing their cap obligations at the time.

Braun has proceeded to struggle this season to the tune of 36 missed games and a steep decline from last season. And the Nuggets has since then seen Watson take the next step in his development, blossoming as a legitimate shot creator on the wing and a much more well-rounded two-way threat than Braun.

Watson is set to enter restricted free agency come summer time, and the Nuggets will have to pay upwards of $20 million per season to keep Watson. Denver has some difficult decisions to make moving forward, and that’s without factoring in what it would take to keep Jones on a long-term contract.

Dumping Zeke Nnaji’s salary is one way for the Nuggets to create room, and so is jettisoning Johnson. The Nuggets, however, scarcely have any assets left to sweeten salary-dump trades, and losing Johnson would be costly, as he’s shooting over 43 percent from deep this season and he’s on an affordable contract anyway.

Will the Nuggets let go of Braun to make room for Watson? That seems to be a potential route Denver could take. But the best bet for them to sustain their status as a title-contender during Jokic’s prime is to bite the tax bullet at least for a year before making changes if they truly have to.

Winning cures everything. And for a Nuggets team that’s about to bleed financially, all the blood they shed will be worth it if they hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy come June.

The post 1 move Nuggets still must make to fill out roster after 2026 NBA trade deadline appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Clippers currently have a record of 26-28, winning 20 of their last 27 games after starting the season with a 6-21 record. The comeback has largely been led by star Kawhi Leonard. Given his injury history and the upcoming back-to-back set, everyone wants to know if Leonard will be playing.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Kawhi Leonard’s injury status vs. Nuggets

Kawhi Leonard has played in 41 of the Clippers 54 games so far this season. He missed 10 games in November 2025 due to a sprained ankle suffered against the Miami Heat and another three games in January 2026 due to swelling in his knee from a hard bump he took against the Detroit Pistons a week prior.

Kawhi Leonard is not listed on the Clippers injury report for Thursday night’s game against the Nuggets and is expected to play, but the team will likely be limiting his minutes given the back-to-back set and the fact that he played significant minutes during the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday night.

Leonard played the final three games and 34 of the possible 36 minutes for Team Stripes in the NBA All-Star Game.

“He’s on his minutes [restriction],” head coach Tyronn Lue admitted after Wednesday afternoon’s practice. “He’s on his minutes so we just can’t overdo it. Like I’ve said, we’re smart about it. We know we can’t just run him into the ground. As much as he wants to play more and do more, we just know that with that load, we just can’t continue to do it night in and night out. So it’ll be some nights where it’s a little more than others, but for the most part we want to make sure we’re safe with him.”

Kawhi Leonard has made 41 appearances this season, averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game while shooting 49.1 percent from the field, 38.3 percent from three, and 91.2 percent from three throw line. His 27.9 points a night are a personal career-high for the Clippers star while the 2.1 steals per game leads the entire NBA.

Clippers and Nuggets are set to tip off their first game after the All-Star break tonight at 7:30PM PST.

The post Is Kawhi Leonard playing vs. Nuggets in first game after All-Star break? appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Simpson two-way contract comes in the place of Spencer Jones, who was earlier converted to a standard contract and will become a restricted free agent in the summer, per Shams Charania.

The Nuggets are planning to sign former Charlotte Hornets guard KJ Simpson to a two-way NBA deal, sources tell ESPN. Simpson averaged 7.3 points and 21.3 minutes over 50 games in 1 ½ seasons in Charlotte. He takes Spencer Jones' slot after Jones is converted to a standard deal. https://t.co/X4ZUkcGzzA

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 19, 2026

Jones’ promotion was largely procedural but also performance-earned. The 24-year-old has emerged as a reliable rotation wing during an injury-riddled stretch, starting 34 of 46 games while averaging 6.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 23.6 minutes per game.

His 41.4% 3-point shooting and 50.5% overall field goal percentage have made him a low-usage but highly functional spacer within Denver’s offense. More importantly, Jones’ defensive impact means that he is ranked 24th in defensive rating (118.1).

The Nuggets are set to sign former Hornets guard KJ Simpson to a two-way NBA contract, per @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/IMZHp1SlZk

— ClutchPoints NBA (@ClutchPointsNBA) February 19, 2026

The contract conversion also solves a roster compliance issue. Denver had dropped to 13 standard contracts following the trade of Hunter Tyson, leaving the Jones promotion as the most straightforward method of meeting the league’s 14-player minimum.

The Nuggets still retain one open roster spot, with Jones’ current deal also allowing the franchise some important financial wiggle room. Denver is already projected to exceed $200 million in salary commitments next season and has added some much-needed depth.

Jones began the year on a two-way contract, which normally leads to a lower qualifying offer after conversion to a standard deal. However, as he has already started 34 games, the 24-year-old is close to reaching the league’s starter threshold.

Simpson averaged 7.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 21.3 minutes across 50 NBA games with Charlotte before being waived. His G-League production has been notably stronger, posting 18.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists with Greensboro, suggesting considerable offensive potential.

Picked 42nd overall in the 2024 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets, Simpson did not feature in a single game for the Hornets since the start of the campaign and will be itching to get his first taste of NBA action in the current campaign.

The post Nuggets signs two-way guard after converting Spencer Jones’ contract appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Nuggets, needing enough players to hit the requirement of minimum players on the roster, decided to convert Jones’ two-way deal into a standard contract for the rest of the 2025-26 NBA season, as reported by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.

“The Nuggets are converting two-way forward Spencer Jones to a standard contract,” Siegel wrote in a social media post on X, formerly Twitter.

It is also worth noting that the 24-year-old Jones had already maxed out his limit of 50 games for a two-way player in the league.

Now that he’s already been guaranteed a roster spot for the rest of the campaign, he only needs to overcome his concussion injury to get back to active status. The former Stanford Cardinal player missed the Nuggets’ final three games before the break, though Denver managed to win two of those contests, including the 122-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 11.

Signed by the Nuggets to a two-way deal as an undrafted contract in 2024, Jones has averaged 6.0 points and 3.1 rebounds through 46 games this season. He has been quite a threat from behind the 3-point line, where he’s been knocking downshots at a 41.1 percent success rate on 2.5 attempts from deep per outing.

The Nuggets will begin a three-game road trip coming out of the break this Thursday, when they face the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, hopefully with Jones in the lineup.

The post Nuggets fill open roster spot with standout two-way player appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Jokic is going through the 11th season of his NBA career with the Nuggets. He made his way up the ranks as one of the best players in the entire league, often making it look effortless with his elite skill set.

With how easy he has it looked, it gets critics to debate on whether the veteran superstar cares enough about the game over the past few seasons. Jokic finally addressed those takes during an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, shutting down the idea that he doesn’t care.

“There’s a lot of people who say, ‘well how much does he care?'” Andrews asked.

“I care a lot. … I think if you don’t care for winning you’re not supposed to be in this sport,” Jokic responded.

"There's a lot of people who say, 'well how much does he care?'"—@malika_andrews

"I care a lot. … I think if you don't care for winning you're not supposed to be in this sport."—Nikola Jokić pic.twitter.com/oASUyjZSCf

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 18, 2026

What lies ahead for Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets

It’s clear that Nikola Jokic has long proven himself to be a dedicated winner in the NBA. That is especially the case throughout his time with the Nuggets, getting them to the mountaintop with the 2023 championship.

Jokic continues to be remarkable throughout the 2025-26 season. He has been averaging 28.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, 10.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game throughout 39 appearances. He is shooting 59% from the field, including 42% from beyond the arc, and 84% from the free-throw line.

Denver boasts a 35-20 record on the season, holding the third spot in the Western Conference standings. They are one game above the Houston Rockets and 1.5 games above the Los Angeles Lakers. However, they trail the San Antonio Spurs by 3.5 games and the Oklahoma City Thunder by 6.5 games.

With the All-Star break over, the Nuggets will resume action with a three-game road trip. They face the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 19 at 10:30 p.m. ET, the Portland Trail Blazers on Feb. 20 at 10 p.m. ET, and the Golden State Warriors on Feb. 22 at 3:30 p.m. ET.

The post Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic blasts haters who question his drive: ‘I care a lot’ appeared first on ClutchPoints.

On the show “Unsportsmanship,” O’Neal would be asked about the return of the league archetype of the “big man,” which the former player embodies to a tee. However, O’Neal would push back on that notion, saying that the only two who fall under that category are Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic and San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama.

“Stop it, the big man is not back,” O’Neal said on Tuesday. “Because nobody posts up. Just because you’re seven-foot and shooting jumpers, that does not make you a big man. [Nikola Jokic] is the only guy that I would consider a big man, and Wemby, that’s two. But I remember when every team had a center, so now you just got a bunch of guys running in the same place, picking and popping.”

"The big man is not back… because nobody post up. Just because you're seven-foot and shooting jumpers that does not make you a big man. [Nikola Jokic] is the only guy that I would consider big man, and Wemby."

—Shaq

(via @UnSportsESPN)pic.twitter.com/mirpPrKSH3

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 18, 2026

Shaquille O’Neal on big men needing to ‘play the percentages’

O’Neal would talk more about the change in gameplan for many centers in the league, which is a focus on shooting mid-range or from the three-point line instead of backing down in the paint. He would be asked about whether a player like himself could lead a team to a title, with O’Neal responding that it doesn’t have to be like him, and how “it’s about playing the percentages.”

“It’s about playing the percentages,” O’Neal continued on the show. “If I’m seven foot, 300 pounds, and I’m bigger and stronger than everybody, I want to take the high percentage shot. I want to use my prowess to get the, you know, the other team in a defensive situation…It’s about just being smart. If I’m seven five, I’m not picking pop and shooting the jumper over guys six-one, six-two.”

It remains to be seen how big men evolve in the future of the NBA.

The post Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama get ‘only big men’ moniker from Shaq appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Instead, Holmgren discussed the injuries the Nuggets have experienced this season, much like the Thunder’s injury-riddled campaign.

“Denver has a few different players on their roster that made some moves this summer,” Holmgren said. “They were a really good team last year. They’re a really good team this year. They’ve had some injuries, as have we, as have everybody in the league. Hopefully, they can get those guys back, and we can get all of our guys back. At the end of the day, every team wants to play every team fully healthy and at their best. So, that’s what we’re hoping for.”

The Nuggets were without All-Star Nikola Jokic for over a month. The Thunder has missed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the past five games. Oklahoma City has also dealt with injuries to Jalen Williams, who’s missed 30+ games this season; starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, who’s sat out 16 games; and Ajay Mitchell, who’s been out since January 21.

Chet Holmgren reacts to new All-Star Game

Thunder forward Chet Holmgren discussed the new All-Star Game format after making his debut at the star-studded event. Holmgren reflected on the career milestone.

“I thought it was good. I thought everybody that was out there was kind of getting after it, playing a good brand of basketball,” Holmgren said. “It felt kind of like, I guess you would say, a pick-up game, and when there’s that level of talent on the floor, it’s always fun, it’s always good.”

He also talked about the ring he received for his All-Star selection, which was unexpected for Holmgren.

“It was pretty cool. I didn’t know you get a ring for All-Star until I got it,” Holmgren said. “So, it was pretty cool. It comes with a little box with a little video in it. It’s pretty sick, but I think I like our ring from last year a little bit more.”

Holmgren says he cherished the moment of his first All-Star game.

“I’d definitely say during the pictures yesterday and then warming up and playing the game today, I definitely try to take a moment and reflect on how cool of an opportunity this is,” Holmgren added. “I felt like I was pretty in the moment for the most part. Just taking everything in.”

Holmgren and the Thunder will resume their regular-season schedule when they host the Nets on Friday.

The post Thunder’s Chet Holmgren points to health when asked about Nuggets’ growth appeared first on ClutchPoints.

During Pistons media day, Cunningham revealed that he had spoken with the Hall-of-Famer on potentially working out together.

“Me and Melo, we had talked a couple times,” Cunningham said back in September 2025. “We set up a couple workouts. One in Vegas and one in New York, but we just haven’t been able to link up. Our schedules were mixed up… I’m just trying to find ways to be the best version of myself this season and having respect from legends like that means a lot of as far as confidence and everything. I just want to continue to grow and get better.”

Carmelo Anthony, who has since joined NBC Sports as their analyst, recently spoke about Cunningham’s rise on a call with media for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

“I love it,” Anthony exclaimed. “I’ve been a fan and have been watching Cade since high school. I’ve watched his growth, development, and maturity over the past four or five years. We’ve been in contact. He reached out to get in the gym and wanted to work on certain aspects of his game. I saw that as a sign of maturity, with him wanting to slow the game down and wanting to pick his spots. He wants to get to his spots where he can be aggressive and efficient and take advantage of the mismatches. We’ve been talking, watching film and talking film. I’m that mentor for him and providing insight.”

This isn’t the first time Carmelo Anthony has spoken highly of the Detroit Pistons star. Back in March 2025, the former Nuggets and Knicks star highlighted Cade Cunningham on his podcast, “7PM in Brooklyn.”

“I think we seeing the development of Cade Cunningham,” Anthony said. “The patience of like going through the process. He’s starting to find his pace, find his flow, find his speed, his confidence, he’s shooting the ball. He doing s*** that’s like ‘I’m here,’ and as a result, they winning.”

Cade Cunningham is having another strong season for the Pistons, averaging 25.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 9.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 33 percent from three. In 47 appearances this season, Cunningham is averaging career highs in assists, steals, blocks, and two-point field goal percentage.

Cunningham has led the Pistons to the best record in the Eastern Conference and the second-best record in the NBA at 40-13.

The Pistons open up their post-All-Star break schedule with a two game road trip against the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls. Given Carmelo Anthony lives in New York and had previously scheduled a workout with Cunningham in the Big Apple, it’ll be interesting to see if the two have an opportunity to get together before Thursday night’s game.

The post Carmelo Anthony’s Cade Cunningham plan will catch fans’ attention appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“The Denver Nuggets organization was devastated to learn of the passing of legendary coach Doug Moe. Coach Moe was a one of a kind leader and person who spearheaded one of the most successful and exciting decades in Nuggets history,” the team posted. “He will forever be loved and remembered by Nuggets fans, and his mbanner commemorating his 432 victories as head coach will hang in the rafters to forever honor his incredible legacy. The organization’s thoughts are with Doug’s wife Jane, his son David and all of his family and loved ones who are hurting in this moment.”

In addition the Nuggets organization sending their condolences, former Denver coach George Karl, a friend of Doug Moe, also took to social media to offer his thoughts on the legendary coach’s death.

“Doug was my big brother. I am sad today. I will miss him,” Karl wrote. “Love you forever, Doug.”

A longtime staple on the sidelines, Moe got his first start coaching in professional basketball as an assistant with the Carolina Cougars in the ABA. His first stint with the Nuggets was from 1974-76 as an assistant while they were still a part of the ABA.

His first head coaching job was with the San Antonio Spurs ahead of the 1976-77 season, the Spurs first in the NBA following the league’s merger with the ABA. He returned to the Nuggets franchise in 1980 as head coach, a position he held until 1990. That was his longest stint anywhere as a coach. His final stop before retiring was also with the Nuggets from 2002-2008 as a consultant. He was then elevated to assistant coach under Karl in 2005.

Moe was the NBA’s Coach of the Year in 1988, and the winner of the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

The post Nuggets pay tribute to legendary Doug Moe after his death appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Jokic has long been known to have a friendship with fellow international NBA star Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers, and at one point, the Serbian big man cracked a joke at Doncic’s expense.

“You know why Luka [Doncic] follows everything? Because he bets on everything. Gamble, gamble,” said Jokic, per Indiana Pacers star Pascal Siakam’s Instagram page.

Doncic could be seen simply shaking his head at the dig.

“You know why Luka [Doncic] follows everything? Because he bets on everything. Gamble, gamble.”

— Nikola Jokic

(via @pskills43/ IG)pic.twitter.com/lQWRQkqLbr

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 17, 2026

The NBA might have a bit of sensitivity for gambling-related jokes at the current juncture due to recent arrests that were made involving Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier in alleged gambling activities.

However, that hasn’t stopped the league from going full steam ahead on its partnership with various sportsbooks, with live betting odds being displayed all over NBC’s telecast for various events at All-Star Saturday Night.

Meanwhile, Jokic and the Nuggets are hoping to put together a strong stretch run of the season after they hit a bit of a rough patch leading up to the All-Star break. The injury bug has not been kind to Denver this year, as Peyton Watson and Aaron Gordon are both currently sidelined due to hamstring injuries.

The team only recently got Jokic and Cameron Johnson back from injuries of their own, and Jamal Murray has also been in and out of the lineup at times with various ailments.

In any case, the Nuggets’ regular season will resume on Friday evening on the road against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The post Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic leaves Luka Doncic speechless with betting joke appeared first on ClutchPoints.

During the weekend, the players in attendance took part in a poll from The Athletic, and one of the questions asked was who they considered to be the best player in the NBA today.

Unsurprisingly, Jokic received far and away the most votes in that department, per The Athletic, continuing to cement his standing as the best player of his generation.

The Nuggets star already has three MVP’s to his name and could very well add a fourth to his resume this season, although he will need to play most every game down the stretch of the year in order to meet the 65-game threshold required for awards.

Meanwhile, Denver has surprisingly slipped a bit in recent weeks, dropping some puzzling contests leading up to the All-Star break, including a rough loss at home to the Cleveland Cavaliers, with new trade acquisition James Harden burying some clutch jumpers down the stretch.

The injury bug has bitten Denver in a major way this year, with Peyton Watson and Aaron Gordon both currently sidelined due to hamstring injuries, and Jokic having just recently returned from his knee ailment.

The Nuggets will hope for some better injury luck down the stretch of the season as they look to secure one of the top seeds in the vaunted Western Conference playoff picture.

In any case, Denver will next take the floor on Thursday evening on the road vs the Clippers, coincidentally in the same building where the All-Star game took place.

The post Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic earns ultimate respect from peers in The Athletic’s player poll appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Porter accidentally posted NBA commissioner Adam Silver’s phone number on his Snapchat story during a meeting. The league didn’t take kindly to his boneheaded mistake.

“I thought I was getting out of the NBA, honestly,” Porter said on The Old Man And The Three Podcast. “They pulled me into the office and were like, ‘You leaked Adam Silver’s number?’ I’m like, ‘What?’ I checked my Snapchat story and saw that it had 500 screenshots. I’m like, ‘Oh, my god.’ So I’m thinking I’m getting kicked out of the league. So I’m like, ‘Please, I’ll go up on the stage and I’ll apologize.’ So they had me walk up there in front of all these guys and, man, that was literally the most embarrassing moment of my life.”

"I thought I was getting kicked out of the NBA!" — MPJ talks about when he leaked Adam Silver's number on Snapchat and had to apologize pic.twitter.com/rVgTivjm7T

— TheOldManAndTheThree (@OldManAndThree) February 5, 2026

Thankfully, Porter’s apology sufficed, and the league did not exile him.

Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. finds success following multiple early-career scares

Against all odds, the 27-year-old has carved out a very successful NBA career. After falling to the No. 14 pick in the draft due to a back injury that had required surgery, Porter underwent two more surgeries after the Nuggets selected him. However, he’s regained his health in recent years, remaining available and effective for most of the last four seasons.

Porter played a key role for the Nuggets during their 2023 title run. He appeared in 220 out of 246 regular-season games across his final three seasons with the team, averaging 17.4 points on .492/.401/.795 shooting splits.

The 6-foot-10 sharpshooter has turned in his most impressive campaign this season following his trade to the Brooklyn Nets.

Porter has averaged 25.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists on .474/.385/.853 shooting splits. He’s one of 15 players averaging 25 points or more with a true shooting percentage of 60 or better, alongside Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Anthony Edwards, Luka Doncic, Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell, Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Jamal Murray, Joel Embiid, Lauri Markkanen, Deni Avdija, and Austin Reaves.

The post Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. feared for his NBA life after Adam Silver phone number leak appeared first on ClutchPoints.

During the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend at the Intuit Dome, the Denver Nuggets superstar took his admiration for Victor Wembanyama to a hilarious new level. While the rest of Team World was busy swapping signatures, Jokic hunted down the San Antonio Spurs’ phenom with a specific request.

“Where’s the alien? I want the alien,” Jokic was heard saying, referring to Wembanyama’s iconic logo. Without missing a beat, Wembanyama replied, “Say less,” before drawing his signature extraterrestrial mark on Jokic’s jersey. It was a lighthearted moment between two generational big men who, despite being rivals in the Western Conference, clearly share a massive amount of mutual respect.

Nikola Jokic made Victor Wembanyama draw his alien logo on his jersey while getting all of Team World to sign his jersey

Jokic: “Where’s the alien? I want the alien.”

Wemby: “Say less.”

(via @NBA)

pic.twitter.com/mvb7sewNml

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 16, 2026

While the jersey swap was all smiles, the actual game featured a bit more bite than we’ve seen in recent years. Under the league’s new round-robin format, Wembanyama proved he wasn’t just there for the vibes. The French star led Team World with 14 points and 6 rebounds in their opening clash against the USA Stars.

The game turned into an absolute thriller, ending in a first-to-five overtime period. After Anthony Edwards forced the extra frame with a clutch triple, Wembanyama countered with a three-pointer of his own. However, Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors played spoiler, draining a game-ending 3-pointer to secure a 37-35 victory for the Americans.

Wembanyama didn’t slow down in his second outing of the day. In a narrow 48-45 loss to the USA Stripes, he put up a valiant 19 points on 6-of-8 shooting. He nearly forced another overtime, but his last-second attempt from deep rimmed out as the buzzer sounded.

Jokic, meanwhile, kept things classic, focusing more on facilitating and enjoying the spectacle while playing minimal minutes to manage his health following a late-December knee scare.

The post Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic gets Victor Wembanyama to sign jersey in a unique way appeared first on ClutchPoints.

In that spirit, Jokic recently revealed his Mount Rushmore of international players in NBA history, per David Mendes-Yapkowitz of ClutchPoints: Dirk Nowitzki, Manu Ginobli, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Tony Parker

Jokic also listed Pau Gasol as a possible candidate.

The Nuggets star selflessly declined to name himself on his Mount Rushmore, but he would certainly make the cut on just about everyone else’s list, considering that he’s already brought home three MVP’s and an NBA Finals win to the Denver fans.

These days, the NBA has gone more global than ever, with many viewing the World team at All-Star weekend as the clear-cut favorites to win the event.

Jokic will be teammates with players like Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama, and Los Angeles Lakers MVP candidate Luka Doncic, among other talented international players, for the event. Those players, along with Antetokounmpo, are widely viewed as the best five players in the league today, and the fact that all of them hail from outside the United States shows just how far the game has expanded in recent years.

One of the big talking points heading into this year’s All-Star game is whether or not the players will give better effort than they have in previous years, with many accusing them of shortchanging the fans in attendance by playing well below their capacity.

Jokic might not be the one to solve this problem, considering his output in years past, but the league will hope that the USA vs World format will be enough to motivate the players to put forth some energy.

The post Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic reveals his Mount Rushmore of international NBA players appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Also in attendance for the festivities this weekend is former NBA big man DeMarcus Cousins, who was Jokic’s teammate for a year with the Nuggets, and recently, the star weighed in on who he thinks would win in a one-on-one game between himself and the Joker, if both were in their prime.

“I think it’s a tie 11-11, cause I don’t think either one of us can stop each other,” said Cousins, per Ricardo K Sandoval of Newsweek on X, formerly Twitter.

Indeed, neither Jokic nor Cousins is known as a lock down defender, but both have otherworldly offensive skillsets that can torture opponents.

Jokic isn’t necessarily thought of as an isolation, one-on-one kind of player, drawing criticism at one point this year for kicking out to Peyton Watson on a last-second play against the Dallas Mavericks as opposed to going up with it himself.

However, he is virtually unstoppable around the basket, and has also turned himself into one of the league’s best three-point shooters to boot.

Meanwhile, Cousins was a terror in his own right back in the day with the Sacramento Kings, bullying opponents in the paint, and also showing off a feathery touch from the perimeter, along with the ability to run the floor better than most big men in the league.

It would certainly be a fun matchup to watch.

In any case, the All-Star game is set to tip off on Sunday at 5:00 pm ET.

The post Could Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic beat DeMarcus Cousins 1-on-1? Boogie weighs in appeared first on ClutchPoints.

During his media availability, he was asked if he would play any differently this year due to the format, and as expected, he said nothing would change.

“I’m gonna play how I play every year. I’m not sure that it’s going to bring another fire to me because I play every game the same,” Jokic said.

"I'm gonna play how I play every year. I'm not sure that it's going to bring another fire to me because I play every game the same. To me not."

Nikola Jokic shares his thoughts on the new All-Star format pic.twitter.com/elrpATGq2S

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 14, 2026

Other players have noted that the competition starts with the players. Kawhi Leonard thinks that the game should go back to the classic East vs. West format.

“It’s going to start with the starters, whoever gets out there first,” Leonard said. “For me, personally, we should just go back to the way it was, and if guys are going to play hard, they’ll play hard. I think it’ll be competitive this year. I don’t know how the format is. But hopefully, guys are out there competing. They usually do, but it’s also an All-Star game.”

There hasn’t been much competition over the years during the All-Star Game, and the most energy it had was when they were doing the target score. For some reason, they stopped that format and made several different teams, and that didn’t do anything to make it better.

It will be interesting to see if this new format changes the way any of the players approach the game, because if not, they may just have to make more changes.

The post Will Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic ‘bring another fire’ to new All-Star Game format? appeared first on ClutchPoints.

When asked by a (seemingly) young Texan about the “kind of horse” he should get, Jokic offered a rather general yet honest explanation.

“The best one, that’s a great idea,” the 2023 NBA Finals MVP and three-time regular season MVP answered, per the Oh No He Didn’t X account. “But I don’t know which one is the best one… the most expensive one probably, that’s going to be the best one (chuckles).”

"I live in Texas, and I wanna get a horse, what horse should I get?"

Nikola Jokic: "The best one… the most expensive, probably that's gonna be the best one." pic.twitter.com/OYx7ZoCKap

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 14, 2026

Jokic is probably peppered with questions about equines throughout the year, as that is one of the only things people really know about the man outside of his supreme basketball talents, love for his native country’s music and the fact that he was drafted during a Taco Bell commercial. The five-time All-NBA First-Team selection presumably has plenty of horse knowledge to share, but perhaps this was not the right time or place for him to speak at length about the most coveted breeds.

Nevertheless, this response will add credence to the notion that Jokic is one of the most nonchalant superstars in recent memory. He is certainly not the only outstanding player to exude a reserved personality — San Antonio Spurs legend Tim Duncan comes to mind — but there is a growing belief that the 30-year-old center dislikes attention. A column about his allegedly terse exchange with a Serbian folklore group after last Saturday’s win versus the Chicago Bulls only raises fans’ curiosity.

No one knows quite what to expect when Nikola Jokic is in the public eye, as he is a true enigma. There is little mystery to what will happen on the court, however. The sensational big man is averaging a triple-double for a second straight season, leading the league with 12.3 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game and ranking in the top-10 with 28.7 points per contest. He would arguably be the MVP favorite had he not missed 16 games with a knee injury.

Jokic is a hoops savant and an enthusiastic horse owner. Those sides of him are separate, but obviously resonate with the public just the same. He will start in the NBA All-Star Game for a sixth consecutive time, then turn his attention to the second half of the 2025-26 campaign and then return to his cherished stable when his Nuggets’ business concludes for the summer.

The post Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic is already giving horse advice at NBA All-Star Weekend appeared first on ClutchPoints.

On the other hand, he says the real culprits are on the World Team, and he called out Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic in his recent presser.

“You should ask the Europeans and the World team if they’re going to compete,” Durant said via ESPN’s Michael C. Wright. “If you look at Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic now, let’s go back and look at what they do in the All-Star Game. Is that competition? So we haven’t questioned what they’ve been doing. But we’re going to question the old heads, and the Americans.

“But these two dudes out there, Luka and Jokic, they don’t care about the game at all. These dudes be laying on the floor. They’re shooting from half court. But you’ve got to worry about the old heads playing hard? I can read between the lines, bro. It’s just an overall topic that everybody’s been talking about.”

"You should ask the Europeans and the World team if they're going to compete. If you look at Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic now, let's go back and look at what they do in the All-Star Game. Is that competition?"

– Kevin Durant

(via @mshap2)pic.twitter.com/7wQq3URQO0

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 12, 2026

Doncic and Jokic are usually jogging up and down the court during the All-Star Game, and they’ll shoot a crazy shot here and there. Nonetheless, they are not the only players on the court who are doing the same thing, as some American players fall into that same trap.

There are some players who take it seriously, and they usually end up with a lot of points and win the All-Star MVP.

With this new format, it will be interesting to see if the players end up showing more effort or if it will be much of the same thing.

The post Rockets’ Kevin Durant takes shots at Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic over All-Star Game effort appeared first on ClutchPoints.

On Wednesday evening, the Denver Nuggets will hit the floor for the final time before the All-Star break for a home game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Both Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are on the injury report for this game, with Jokic being listed as probable due to a left ankle sprain, and Murray as probable due to left hip inflammation. Here’s everything we know about Jokic and Murray’s injury situations and their playing statuses vs the Grizzlies.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic playing status vs the Grizzlies

Given their probable designations on the injury report, it seems more likely than not that both Murray and Jokic will be able to give it a go on Wednesday vs Memphis. Jokic recently returned from the knee injury that kept him out for around a month, and has mostly resumed playing at an MVP level since rejoining the lineup. Meanwhile, Murray has been dealing with various ailments all year, but was recently named an All-Star.

Joining the two stars on the injury report are Peyton Watson and Aaron Gordon, who will both remain out for this game due to hamstring injuries. Christian Braun is probable due to a left ankle sprain, while Spencer Jones is questionable due to the concussion protocol.

Meanwhile, for the Grizzlies, Ja Morant and Zach Edey will both remain out of the lineup due to injury, while Walter Clayton Jr. is doubtful with a calf contusion. Cedric Coward is also doubtful with knee soreness.

The Nuggets could use a win in this one, as they have hit a bit of a rough patch over the last couple of weeks, most recently losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday at home. The upcoming All-Star break should give everyone a chance to get healthier for the stretch run of the season.

The post Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray will start for Nuggets vs. Grizzlies in final game before All-Star break appeared first on ClutchPoints.

And yet, Jokic has been heavily criticized for his conduct post-game. The historic night was overshadowed by disappointment among Serbian fans and youth performers who had gathered at the United Center specifically to greet him.

[Serbian Times] Around fifty girls and boys, who came to welcome Nikola [Jokic] on the court of the United Center and greet him with Serbian folk dances, will remember it for disappointment, as he did not find the time even to take a photo with them. Not to greet them, not to say a single word.
byu/Glass-Candle-7670 innba

Around 50 members of a folklore group from Indiana reportedly waited in traditional costumes to meet their idol, only for Jokić to walk past with a brief wave and no interaction, per The Serbian Times.

The column also recalled a similar incident from the previous year, when more than 300 Serbian children waited over an hour after a Denver–Chicago game without meeting the MVP, before Nikola Vučević stepped in to greet them instead. According to the account, hundreds more fans formed a guard of honor at the arena exit after this latest game, chanting his name, but again left disappointed.

The episode sparked criticism in Serbian media, framing the night as a reminder that while Jokić continues to build a historic résumé on the court, he may still have things to work on. The triple-double means that Jokic surpassed Oscar Robertson for second place on the NBA’s all-time list as the Nuggets ended a three-game skid.

It was his 19th triple-double of the season and his second in as many games as he helped engineer the decisive stretch in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets erased a seven-point deficit with a 20–2 run, punctuated by back-to-back threes from him and Julian Strawther.

The Nuggets have since been defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers, despite Jokic once again producing a triple-double.

The post Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic under fire for not acknowledging Serbian group in Chicago appeared first on ClutchPoints.

With these significant injuries, it’s easy to see why Jamal Murray and the Nuggets are looking forward to the upcoming All-Star break.

“It helps us get healthy,” said Murray. “We’ve had a lot of guys in and out of the lineup. This extra week of doing nothing or rehabbing will hopefully get guys back a little sooner than normal. It’s just a good week of rest.”

Murray himself is not fully in the clear either. He exited Saturday’s 136-120 win over the Chicago Bulls in the fourth quarter with a left hip issue after landing awkwardly on a drive to the basket. His injury had Nuggets fans holding their breath, given how much the team has leaned on him in Jokic’s absence.

Nuggets head coach David Adelman is aware of how much the team is leaning on Murray, even making sure to acknowledge how he is battling through injuries of his own.

“Jamal’s got like, you name it. Ankle, knee. He’s playing through a lot. He’s doing it for his team,” said Adelman.

Even throughout the injury chaos, Denver has managed to win games and currently sit third in the West. They’ll face the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday right before the All-Star break.

The post Jamal Murray hopes Nuggets use All-Star break to get healthy as team battles injuries appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Blazing start

The 2025-26 campaign marked a new chapter in Denver basketball. David Adelman stepped in as head coach and front-office leadership transitioned to Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace. As such, the Nuggets entered the season balancing continuity with recalibration.

Early returns were emphatic. Denver stormed to a franchise-best 17-6 start, powered by the league’s most efficient offense. The front office’s aggressive offseason reshaping paid immediate dividends. Cameron Johnson delivered spacing and defensive versatility. Meanwhile, Jonas Valanciunas added physical interior insurance behind Jokic. The emotional return of Bruce Brown also restored connective tissue to Denver’s second unit. Tim Hardaway Jr injected microwave scoring the bench had lacked the previous year.

At the center of it all was Jokic, who somehow elevated his absurd baseline. His Christmas Day masterpiece saw a historic 55-point, 15-rebound, 15-assist performance. That was another statistical landmark into NBA lore and reinforced his status as the league’s most unstoppable offensive hub.

Surviving the storm

Momentum, however, gave way to adversity in late December when Jokic suffered a left knee injury that sidelined him for four weeks. For most contenders, losing the best player in basketball for a month would trigger a free fall.

Denver steadied instead. Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray also missed stretches, yet the Nuggets remained afloat. They currently hold a 34-19 record and the West’s No. 3 seed. The survival story became a testament to organizational depth.

Peyton Watson emerged as January’s revelation. He averaged nearly 24 points per game during Jokic’s absence and showcased star-level two-way upside. Hardaway surged into Sixth Man of the Year conversations. He helped stabilize bench scoring in high-leverage moments. Even so, the workload distribution raised concerns. Starters logged heavy minutes, and Murray’s hip injury shortly before the deadline amplified fears about playoff durability.

Dangerous but fragile

This trade deadline represented the first in-season stress test for Denver’s new leadership group. The roster had already undergone significant offseason restructuring. Injuries had exposed depth vulnerabilities. Western rivals were loading up.

The conditions seemed primed for reinforcement, particularly frontcourt insurance and secondary playmaking support. Instead, Denver made one of the quietest deadlines of any contender.

The Nuggets’ lone trade deadline transaction sent Hunter Tyson and a 2032 second-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for a 2026 second-rounder. On the surface, the deal barely registered competitively. Its true purpose was financial.

By offloading Tyson’s $2.2 million salary, Denver ducked below the luxury tax threshold. They consequently avoided repeater-tax penalties that would have compounded future payroll burdens. The move also opened a roster slot to convert Spencer Jones from a two-way contract to a standard deal. That ensured postseason eligibility.

From an accounting standpoint, it was efficient. From a competitive standpoint, it was inert.

Prudence vs. urgency

The decision underscored Denver’s organizational tightrope. Ownership has historically balanced contention with fiscal caution. Of course, repeater-tax avoidance carries long-term benefits. That said, timing matters.

This wasn’t a fringe playoff team managing a rebuild. This was a top-three seed with arguably the best player in the world and a championship window firmly open. Financial relief, while prudent, offered no on-court insulation against injury risk or playoff attrition. Denver saved money but didn’t add wins.

Jokic’s January injury should have served as a flashing warning light. Sure, Valanciunas provided regular-season coverage. Still, Denver lacked a versatile defensive big capable of playoff matchup flexibility.

Against teams deploying elite athletic frontcourts, the Nuggets remain dependent on Jokic’s durability and Gordon’s physical toll. Adding someone capable of absorbing defensive minutes would have preserved legs and diversified postseason options. Instead, Denver doubled down on health optimism.

Playmaking left unaddressed

Murray’s late-January hip issue further magnified another omission: secondary creation. Brown and Hardaway offer connective offense. However, neither replicates Murray’s pick-and-roll orchestration. Should Murray’s health falter in a playoff series, Denver’s offense risks becoming overly Jokic-dependent. That’s an exploitable dynamic against elite defensive schemes built to swarm the MVP. A veteran ball-handler could have mitigated that exposure. The Nuggets chose continuity over contingency.

Denver’s restraint becomes more glaring when viewed against the broader deadline ecosystem. Contenders and challengers alike moved assertively. They reinforced depth, size, and shot creation. The West remains a nightly gauntlet, where playoff seeding could hinge on one injury, one matchup wrinkle, one fatigued rotation. While rivals fortified, Denver economized.

To be fair, the Nuggets’ confidence isn’t unfounded. Watson’s leap, Brown’s reintegration, and Hardaway’s scoring surge provide internal reinforcement pathways. Adelman’s system continuity also cushions roster turbulence. Internal growth, though, is an exercise in probability. Deadline acquisitions are preventative. Denver chose belief over insurance.

Cost of caution

The Nuggets did not sabotage their title hopes. They remain elite, anchored by Jokic’s genius and a battle-tested core. Yet the 2026 deadline may eventually reveal a philosophical fault line. Denver prioritized financial flexibility over competitive reinforcement at a moment when marginal upgrades could have meaningfully reduced postseason risk.

If the Nuggets fall short due to fatigue, injury, or matchup limitations in May, the retrospective will crystallize quickly. This season, Denver needed support systems around its superstar. Still, the front office’s biggest move was saving money instead of strengthening the margins that championships are built upon.

The post Nuggets’ biggest 2026 NBA trade deadline mistake appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Jokic missed a month’s worth of action after suffering a hyperextended left knee with a bone bruise, an injury that has left him with just one more allowed absence to meet the 65-game minimum mark. The Denver Nuggets’ three-time MVP has played in five straight games since returning from injury, but now Gilgeous-Alexander is out for at least two weeks.

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s reigning MVP suffered an abdominal strain during the team’s 128-92 win over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, and he has missed two straight games as a result. Gilgeous-Alexander will miss at least three more games, as the team said he will be out through the All-Star break, which officially begins on Feb. 13.

So, with Gilgeous-Alexander now out and possibly set to miss time once play resumes in late February, could Jokic use this opportunity to springboard himself back to the top of the standings?

Although he missed four weeks of action and is dangerously close to being ineligible for awards and accolades, Jokic’s numbers and ability to elevate his team are why many still believe he should be the MVP this season.

Now that Gilgeous-Alexander is out, perhaps there is an opportunity for Jokic to not only make up ground in this race but also potentially overtake SGA heading into the final handful of weeks of the season.

As of right now, before the All-Star break, it’s still Gilgeous-Alexander at the top of the MVP rankings.

Previous 2023-24 NBA MVP Rankings: Week 15 | Week 14 | Week 13 | Week 12 | Week 11 | Week 10 | Week 9 | Week 8 | Week 7 | Week 6 | Week 5 | Week 4 | Week 3 | Week 2 | Week 1

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder

Previous ranking: #1

2025-26 season stats: 49 games, 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 55.4 FG%, 39.0 3P%

Gilgeous-Alexander has only missed four games so far this season, so he is not yet in danger of being excluded from awards and honors. That is why he still lives at the top of these NBA MVP rankings.

However, the Thunder have been vulnerable as of late, and Gilgeous-Alexander had some average performances by his standards before his abdominal injury.

However, Gilgeous-Alexander did extend his streak of scoring at least 20 points to 121 straight games before his injury, meaning he should be able to break Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 125 consecutive games with 20-plus points upon returning to the court.

2. Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets*

Previous ranking: #2

2025-26 season stats: 37 games, 28.9 points, 12.2 rebounds, 10.7 assists, 1.4 steals, 59.4 FG%, 42.5 3P%

Since returning from his knee injury, Jokic has not lost a step in this race for the MVP award.

Over his last five games, Jokic is averaging 24.6 points, 12.4 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 51.3 percent from the floor. After missing a month’s worth of action, Jokic is still the same MVP candidate he was earlier in the year, which is why he has a chance to make up some serious ground on SGA with the reigning MVP being out with an abdominal injury.

Count out Jokic at your own risk, because this guy has a real shot at winning his fourth MVP this season.

3. Luka Doncic – Los Angeles Lakers*

Previous ranking: #3

2025-26 season stats: 42 games, 32.8 points, 8.6 assists, 7.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 47.3 FG%, 34.5 3P%

There was no ground made up by Luka Doncic in the race for the MVP award this past week, as he put together some underwhelming offensive performances and will miss his second straight game on Monday night with a left hamstring injury.

This will be Doncic’s 10th missed game, which now raises the question of whether he will be able to finish the year in good standing with the 65-game minimum rule.

As far as Doncic’s overall MVP resume goes, the Los Angeles Lakers are now just one full game behind Jokic’s Nuggets in the standings, which could eventually sway the minds of some voters at the end of the season with these three stars in the West battling for position.

4. Cade Cunningham – Detroit Pistons

Previous ranking: #5

2025-26 season stats: 45 games, 25.1 points, 9.7 assists, 5.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 45.9 FG%, 32.0 3P%

Cade Cunningham may not be putting up the same numbers as those before him on these MVP rankings on a nightly basis, but the Detroit Pistons are winning, and Cade is finding ways to impact the game in more ways than just scoring.

Not only has Cunningham been one of the league’s best facilitators when it comes to dishing out assists, but he’s also become one of the best two-way guards in the entire NBA. He is a big reason why the Pistons are one of the best defensive teams this year.

With wins over both Denver and New York this past week, Cunningham is certainly making a strong MVP case with the Pistons at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

5. Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs*

Previous ranking: #6

2025-26 season stats: 38 games, 23.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, 50.7 FG%, 36.0 3P%

Victor Wembanyama has rejoined the MVP conversation and is back inside the top five. Although he has missed 14 games this year, Wemby is still in good standing with the 65-game minimum and actually gains an extra absence because of the San Antonio Spurs playing in the NBA Cup championship game.

That could wind up working in Wembanyama’s favor not just for All-NBA and All-Defensive honors, but possibly for the Defensive Player of the Year and MVP awards.

The Spurs are 3.5 games back of SGA’s Thunder for the best record in the West, and San Antonio already defeated Oklahoma City four times this year. In fact, they picked up another win against the defending champions on Wednesday, a game where Wemby had 22 points and 14 rebounds. He followed up this performance with 29 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and two steals.

Wembanyama is now tied for sixth with 24 double-doubles this season, and he is tied for the league lead in blocks (103). If the Spurs can potentially pass the Thunder in the standings, Wembanyama will continue moving up the MVP rankings.

Just missing the cut

6. Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics [Ranked No. 4 last week]

7. Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves [Ranked No. 7 last week]

8. Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers [Unranked last week]

9. Jamal Murray – Denver Nuggets [Ranked No. 8 last week]

10. Jalen Brunson – New York Knicks [Ranked No. 9 last week]

*Signals player is in danger of meeting 65-game minimum threshold for awards/accolades.

The post ClutchPoints’ NBA MVP Mondays: How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s injury impacts race appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Then, the Cleveland Cavaliers traded for Ball in the offseason. It was a somewhat shocking move at the time, and hindsight has proved it was a mistake. Ball has put up career lows across the board this year, and it culminated in him being traded to the Utah Jazz at the NBA trade deadline. Utah immediately waived Ball, and despite his struggles this year, he is still one of the top players available on the open market. So, what are the best destinations for Ball?

Denver Nuggets

ClutchPoints’ very own Brett Siegel reported that the top two suitors for Ball are the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors. After converting Spencer Jones to a standard contract, the Nuggets still have one open roster spot. The team came into the season with point guard as arguably their biggest need.

Jamal Murray and Jalen Pickett were the only two lead guards on the roster. Murray has had his best season to date and earned his first All-Star nod, and Pickett has been a solid contributor, even starting 18 games for the team so far. While point guard isn’t as big of a concern as it was previously, adding a player like Ball would still be smart.

The Nuggets have been ravaged by injuries this year. They’ve done well in surviving extended absences from Nikola Jokic, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, Jonas Valanciunas, and Peyton Watson, but the newfound depth they created in the offseason has certainly been tested. Adding another body makes sense, but especially a player that has the size to play multiple positions and fill in wherever help is needed.

While Ball is a point guard by trade, he is a jumbo facilitator who can guard twos and threes, too. Denver’s bench unit has been much improved this year, but the non-Jokic minutes have typically been a disaster. Ball’s playmaking could ensure Denver’s bench doesn’t return to old habits.

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors’ trade deadline plans and championship aspirations were likely thwarted when Jimmy Butler went down with a season-ending injury. Even so, the Warriors made a trade deadline move that brings balance to their roster. The team traded Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield for Kristaps Porzingis.

Kuminga had one foot out the door for quite some time, and Hield was expendable because Golden State already had plenty of guard shooting in the form of Stephen Curry. Porzingis fills a hole for the Warriors because the team was desperate for a center. There was a dire need for an interior presence on both ends of the floor. Rim protection, in particular, was a huge need. Porzingis provides enough shooting to fit the Warriors’ offensive schemes, too.

Still, a gritty player is needed because of Butler’s injury. Ball isn’t the defender or glue guy he once was because of various lower-body injuries throughout his career. At his best, though, he could do a lot of the things that Butler provided the Warriors.

There are a couple of solid players who were waived or are on the buyout market, but teams rarely get true game changers in free agency after the trade deadline. The Warriors only have so many years of contention left, though, and Ball could certainly help them try to make a surprise run this season.

Charlotte Hornets

LaVar Ball’s dream scenario might be closer to reality than ever before. The Charlotte Hornets are led by LaMelo Ball, and he could very well team up with older brother Lonzo now that he is on the open market. The patriarch of the Ball family and Big Baller Brand’s founder has long wanted his sons to play together.

LiAngelo Ball’s window for life in the NBA has closed, but ensuring LaMelo is happy by pairing him up with one of his former Chino Hills teammates makes sense. It wasn’t that long ago that LaMelo heard his name in trade rumors. The Hornets have played great ever since, and Ball is now cemented as one of their long-term franchise players, but bringing in Lonzo would prove Charlotte’s loyalty to their former number three pick.

Both Ball brothers have somewhat similar skill sets, so Lonzo could back his brother up quite well and allow the Hornets to run the same offense even when the reserves are in. They are both tall guards who are best when creating for their teammates. They also both have unorthodox, but sometimes effective shooting forms, although both players can be streaky. Lonzo’s presence would also help LaMelo to be his best self because he loves competing against his brothers.

Lonzo’s athleticism has regressed, and with it has come poorer perimeter defense and less offensive creation ability. His 3-point shot has also been ineffective this year. Still, Lonzo has a high basketball IQ and makes too much sense on the Hornets.

The post 3 best Lonzo Ball destinations after Cavs dump him to Jazz to be waived appeared first on ClutchPoints.

When the news first broke, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints introduced two teams that were interested in his services.

“As the NBA buyout market takes shape, league sources told ClutchPoints that two teams have emerged as serious suitors for Lonzo Ball: Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets. Both teams are looking to add an experienced ball-handler in their backcourt,” Siegel wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The Warriors had seemed to be the frontrunner for Ball, but it looks like they may pull out of the race, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

The post NBA rumors: Warriors might not sign Lonzo Ball after all. Could Nuggets swoop in? appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Jokic is listed as probable with a left ankle sprain. The three-time MVP has played in the Nuggets’ last five games after returning from a knee injury and has logged more than 30 minutes in each of his last three outings, despite an initial plan to limit his workload. Over 37 games this season, Jokic is averaging 28.9 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 10.7 assists, while shooting 59.4% from the field and 42.5% from 3-point range.

The 30-year-old has recorded a triple-double in 18 of those 37 games, including back-to-back standout performances. Jokic followed a 30-point, 14-rebound, 10-assist outing in a double-overtime 134-127 loss to the New York Knicks with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 17 assists versus the Bulls.

Meanwhile, Murray’s availability is less certain. Denver’s All-Star guard is listed as questionable with left hip inflammation after exiting Saturday’s game late in regulation. Head coach David Adelman said he is confident Murray avoided a serious injury, but his status will be determined closer to tipoff. Murray has appeared in 48 games this season and is averaging 26.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists, while shooting 48.8% overall and 43.2% from beyond the arc.

Beyond Jokic and Murray, the Nuggets’ injury report includes Christian Braun (probable, left ankle sprain), along with Aaron Gordon (right hamstring strain), Peyton Watson (right hamstring strain), and Spencer Jones (concussion protocol), who have all been ruled out.

On the other hand, the Cavaliers arrive in Denver with momentum on their side, having won eight of their last nine games and 10 of their last 12. However, Cleveland is also dealing with absences, including Evan Mobley, who has missed five straight games with a left calf strain. The Cavaliers are 7-4 this season without Mobley, though only two of those wins came against teams above .500. Max Strus remains out following left foot surgery, while Jaylon Tyson and Dean Wade are both listed as questionable with left ankle sprains.

The matchup will be one of Cleveland’s early tests since adding James Harden, who scored 23 points and eight assists in his debut against the Sacramento Kings, with tipoff set for 9:00 p.m. EST.

The post Nuggets stars Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray on injury report vs. Cavs appeared first on ClutchPoints.

It was a monster game for Nikola Jokic, who recorded a triple double of 22 points, to go along with 17 assists and 14 rebounds, passing Oscar Robertson for the second-most triple doubles of all time in the process.

After the game, Jokic gave his blunt reaction to the news.

“I think that’s the right way to play basketball, and hopefully I’m going to continue to play like that,” said Jokic, per Katy Winge of AltitudeTV on X, formerly Twitter.

Jokic now has 182 triple doubles for his career, and trails only former Nuggets teammate Russell Westbrook for the most all-time with 207.

Jokic recently returned from a knee injury that sidelined him for several weeks and has wasted no time in getting back into MVP form. While Denver recently lost both Peyton Watson and Aaron Gordon to hamstring injuries, they have gotten back both Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson, which should allow them to stay afloat even as the injury concerns continue to pile up.

Of course, having the undisputed best player on Earth in Jokic will certainly help with that effort, and it’s not off the table that Jokic could challenge Westbrook for the number one spot in NBA history in terms of triple doubles as soon as this season, or perhaps early into next year.

The Nuggets currently sit at 34-19 and stayed quiet at the trade deadline, opting to press forward with the team they have now.

In any case, the Nuggets will next hit the floor on Monday evening for a home game against James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The post Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic celebrates playing the ‘right way’ after passing Oscar Robertson appeared first on ClutchPoints.

With dropping 22 points, dishing out 17 assists and grabbing 14 rebounds, here’s where Jokic lands on the said list:

Nikola Jokic was absolutely SENSATIONAL, climbing to 2nd all-time in triple-doubles

22 points
14 rebounds
17 assists

7-of-12 FG
2-of-2 3PT
6-of-6 FT pic.twitter.com/L390Q33KnI

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 8, 2026

His Nuggets rolled to the 136-120 romp inside the United Center on Saturday — improving their record to 34-19 overall.

The past NBA Finals champion Jokic delivered his production through 33 minutes of play. He also showed his force on the defensive side too in blocking four shots, which led Denver there.

Past Nuggets teammate made Nikola Jokic admission that turned heads

Jokic is widely considered a global star on the hardwood now. He’s decorated his resume with Most Valuable Player honors and the 2023 NBA Finals title.

Yet a former teammate of his made a stunning Jokic admission.

Michael Porter Jr. won the Larry O’Brien Trophy with Jokic. However “MPJ” made this stunning admission while appearing on The Old Man and The Three Podcast.

“I didn’t think he was that good at first, I thought Mason Plumlee was better than Joker at first,” Porter said in stunning fashion.

Although Porter later heard how stout Jokic really was from another member of the Nuggets.

“But I kept hearing, like Monte Morris told me, he was like, ‘Man you don’t understand, Joker could score 50 every single night if he wanted to.’ And so I didn’t see it at first in training, I think he was just, you know Joker he can just pass and he doesn’t have to try to dominate all the time,” Porter added.

Both managed to win together — and “Joker” has since continue to stack the milestones.

The post Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic climbs up all-time triple-double list with huge game vs. Bulls appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Looking to end a three-game skid, the Denver Nuggets head east to take on the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night. Denver is praying Nikola Jokic will remain in the lineup, with the three-time MVP remaining on the injury report five games after returning from a month-long hiatus. Here is everything we know about Nikola Jokic’s injury and his playing status against the Bulls.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Nikola Jokic injury status vs. Bulls

While Jokic missed 16 games in January with a knee injury, he is listed on Saturday’s injury report with an ankle sprain. Another injury is certainly concerning, but it is a good sign for the Nuggets that Jokic’s knee does not appear to be bothering him anymore.

Jokic has not missed a game since returning on Jan. 30, and he has had three days of rest since the Nuggets’ last outing, giving him a solid chance to remain in the lineup. Denver needs him to remain in the lineup, with Aaron Gordon, Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones already ruled out. Christian Braun is also listed on the injury report with a minor ankle sprain, though he is likely to play.

If Jokic suffers a setback, Jonas Valanciunas will return to the starting lineup. Valanciunas has two double-doubles in his last six games, including one with Jokic, but he played just 13 minutes in the Nuggets’ last outing against the New York Knicks on Wednesday.

As full as the Nuggets’ injury report is, the Bulls are dealing with even more punishing absences. Leading guards Josh Giddey and Tre Jones remain out, both dealing with hamstring strains. Starting forward Jalen Smith is questionable to play with a calf strain.

The Bulls’ injury woes have led to a 1-6 drought in their last seven games. Chicago’s lack of guard depth led it to start Anfernee Simons in his first game with the team on Thursday. Simons went 6-of-13 from behind the arc to lead the team with 22 points in a loss to the Toronto Raptors.

However, when it comes to Jokic’s injury status, expect him to play on Saturday, barring a setback in warmups.

Nuggets injury report

Tamar Bates, OUT — Left foot surgery

Christian Braun, Probable — Left ankle sprain

Aaron Gordon, OUT — Right hamstring strain

Cameron Johnson, Questionable — Right knee bone bruise

Nikola Jokic, Questionable — Left ankle sprain

Curtis Jones, OUT — G League

Spencer Jones, OUT — Concussion

Peyton Watson, OUT — Right hamstring strain

Bulls injury report

Zach Collins, OUT — Right toe sprain

Noa Essengue, OUT — Left shoulder surgery

Josh Giddey, OUT — Left hamstring strain

Tre Jones, OUT — Left hamstring strain

Jalen Smith, Questionable — Right calf strain

The post Nikola Jokic is available for Nuggets clash vs. Bulls appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Watson, who suffered a right hamstring strain in Wednesday’s 134-127 double overtime loss to the New York Knicks, will miss at least one month of action, per Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. The Nuggets have lost nearly their entire core to extended injuries this season, but this one could sting more than people realize. Fans expect a three-time MVP like Jokic and a reliable contributor like Aaron Gordon to fall back into rhtyhem, but it can be concerning when a young player in the midst of a breakout campaign suffers a setback.

Denver and its fan base can only hope that all the work Watson has put into his game will continue to pay off when he returns. The No. 30 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft is averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steal through 49 games played. He first established himself as an impactful defender, but he has significantly evolved on offense during the 2025-26 campaign.

Peyton Watson is shooting 49.6 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from 3-point range. He scored 30 points or more three times in January, all on the road. The 23-year-old could be an X-factor during the playoffs, but first, he will have to push through this recovery period.

Watson will watch as the Nuggets try to end a three-game losing streak in Saturday’s matchup versus the Chicago Bulls (24-28).

The post Nuggets’ Peyton Watson out at least one month with hamstring injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.

When the Nuggets drafted Michael Porter Jr. in 2018, he admitted that he did not follow the NBA closely. Instead, he focused on his own age group and college peers. This lack of professional context led to a hilariously incorrect evaluation of the team’s hierarchy during his first training camp.

"I didn't think he was that good at first. I thought Mason Plumlee was better than Joker." — MPJ with an all-timer pic.twitter.com/VzKHbPYXhq

— TheOldManAndTheThree (@OldManAndThree) February 5, 2026

“I didn’t think he was that good at first, I thought Mason Plumlee was better than Joker at first.” Porter said candidly. However, veteran guard Monte Morris quickly pulled the rookie aside to set the record straight, “But I kept hearing, like Monte Morris told me, he was like, ‘Man you don’t understand, Joker could score 50 every single night if he wanted to.’ And so I didn’t see it at first in training, I think he was just, you know Joker he can just pass and he doesn’t have to try to dominate all the time.

The realization finally hit home once the regular season began. Porter Jr. witnessed firsthand how the center controlled the entire floor with his passing and basketball IQ. That same greatness was on full display this past Wednesday, even as the Nuggets fell in a double-overtime thriller to the New York Knicks.

Despite the 134-127 loss at Madison Square Garden, Nikola Jokic notched another massive triple-double with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. Jamal Murray added 39 points in the effort, but the Nuggets couldn’t withstand a 42-point explosion from New York guard Jalen Brunson.

Looking back, Porter Jr. understands that greatness does not always come in the most athletic package. While he now suits up for a different franchise, he will make sure not to make the same mistake in his new team.

The post The Nuggets player Michael Porter Jr. initially thought was better than Nikola Jokic appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Watson is halfway through the fourth season of his NBA career with the Nuggets. He has embraced more responsibilities in the offense as time went on, having a firm role in the rotation as Denver trusted him more.

However, he suffered a hamstring injury in Denver’s double-overtime loss to the New York Knicks on Feb. 4. It ended his night after 33 minutes of action and will ultimately keep him off the floor for an extended period of time, per reporter Tony Jones.

“Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson has suffered a grade 2 left hamstring strain and is expected to miss extended time, League Sources tell The Athletic. Watson had been a breakout star for the Nuggets. This adds to their injury misfortune,” Jones wrote.

What lies ahead for Nuggets after Peyton Watson’s injury

It’s a brutal loss for the Nuggets to sustain in the rotation. Peyton Watson has made a lot of improvements over the years, so he can have a key impact on the court during the playoffs when healthy.

This season marked the best of his career to date, enjoying career highs in multiple areas. Throughout 49 games, he is averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, two assists, 1.2 blocks, and one steal per game. He is shooting 49.6% from the field, including 41.7% from beyond the arc, and 72.7% from the free-throw line.

Denver boasts a 33-19 record on the season, holding the third spot in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Houston Rockets by 0.5 games and the Minnesota Timberwolves by one game. However, they trail the San Antonio Spurs by two games and the Oklahoma City Thunder by seven games.

Going through three consecutive losses, the Nuggets will look to bounce back in their next matchup. They are on the road when they face the Chicago Bulls on Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. ET.

The post Nuggets’ Peyton Watson to miss ‘extended time’ with hamstring strain appeared first on ClutchPoints.

In addition to Hunter Tyson, the Nuggets also send a 2032 second round pick in the deadline trade with the Nets. In return, the Nuggets will receive the less favorable second round pick between the LA Clippers and the Atlanta Hawks for this upcoming draft.

Aside from simply ducking under the luxury tax, the trade opened up a roster spot in which the Nuggets used to convert Spencer Jones’ two-way contract to a standard deal, as per NBA insider Chris Haynes. Jones had been a solid contributor for the team all season, and was close to using up all of his two-way eligibility.

After going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, Jones latched on with the Nuggets via two-way contract. He played sparingly as a rookie, but this season he became a regular in the team’s rotation. He’s appeared in 46 games this season, including 34 starts, at a little over 23 minutes per game. On a two-way deal, Jones was limited to only 50 NBA games active, so he was dangerously close to using up his days.

Jones was averaging a career-high 6.0 points and 3.1 rebounds with splits of 50.5 percent shooting from the field, 41.4 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 62.2 percent shooting from the 3-point line.

The Nuggets are currently the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference standings with a record of 33-19.

The post Nuggets duck luxury tax with Nets trade that opens up roster spot appeared first on ClutchPoints.

In the waining hours of the NBA trade deadline, the Nuggets are hoping to find a taker for Hunter Tyson, as per ClutchPoints’ NBA insider Brett Siegel. It stands to reason that the Nuggets aren’t interested in making a big splash at the deadline since their major deals were done in the offseason.

The Nuggets made two major trades this past offseason to upgrade the roster when they added Jonas Valanciunas and Cam Johnson. While the team has dealt with multiple injury issues this season, they are still 33-19 and in third place in the Western Conference standings. When healthy, the Nuggets looked like a championship contending team.

As far as Tyson goes, the No. 37 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft has been seldom-used in his three seasons with the Nuggets thus far. He played just a little over two minutes per game during his rookie season in 2023-24, and the past two years he’s at a little over seven minutes per game.

This season, Tyson has appeared in 21 games, including two starts, at 7.7 minutes of play. He’s averaged 2.2 points and 1.7 rebounds with splits of 26.9 percent shooting from the field, 21.2 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 84.6 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

The post NBA rumors: Nuggets trying to duck luxury tax right before trade deadline appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The third-year wing clutched his leg and limped straight to the locker room, with the team later confirming a hamstring injury. The timing of the injury couldn’t be worse for the Nuggets.

BRUTAL.

Nuggets star Peyton Watson went to the locker room after pulling his hamstring…..

The Nuggets just got back Nikola Jokic and Christian Braun, now they potentially lose one of their biggest playmakers
pic.twitter.com/riCzgMOPm1

— SleeperHoops (@Sleeper_Hoops) February 5, 2026

Denver had just welcomed three-time MVP Nikola Jokic back to the lineup after a 16-game absence, and guard Christian Braun had also recently returned to shore up the perimeter. With Aaron Gordon already sidelined with his own hamstring issue, Watson had stepped into a massive role as the team’s primary defensive stopper and a secondary playmaker.

Before the injury, Watson was having a solid night in the “Mecca” of basketball. He had already logged 10 points and a highlight-reel slam dunk in the third quarter off a beautiful no-look dime from Jokic. Coming into this game, Watson had been on a tear, averaging 20.5 points over his last 20 outings, including a career-high 35 points against the Washington Wizards last month.

Without Watson, the Nuggets lose a versatile wing who provides elite shot-blocking and transition scoring. The defensive burden now shifts heavily to Braun and veteran Tim Hardaway Jr., while head coach Michael Malone will likely have to dig deep into his bench for minutes from Julian Strawther or Jalen Pickett.

Nuggets fans will be holding their breath for an MRI update. If Watson is out for an extended period, Denver’s climb back to the top of the Western Conference just got a whole lot steeper.

The post Nuggets’ Peyton Watson leaves Knicks game with potentially serious injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.

With just over nine minutes left in the third quarter and the Nuggets trailing 61-58, Jokic caught the Knicks’ defense napping with a highlight-reel dime that set social media on fire.

Nikola Jokic caught the defense off guard with a bullet pass pic.twitter.com/bCF6FqJRch

— NBA Philippines (@NBA_Philippines) February 5, 2026

Operating near the high post, the “Joker” didn’t even bother looking toward the basket. Instead, he fired a signature no-look bullet pass right through the heart of the New York interior. The ball found Peyton Watson wide open under the rim, and the young forward didn’t waste the opportunity, rising up for a thunderous slam that silenced the “Mecca” of basketball.

It was a play that perfectly encapsulated Denver’s offensive gravity. While the Knicks focused on Jokic’s scoring threat, Watson used his elite athleticism to cut behind the defense, trusting his superstar center to find the gap.

At the time of the spectacular dunk, Nikola Jokic already had his fingerprints all over the box score with 18 points on an efficient 6-of-11 shooting. Meanwhile, Peyton Watson provided a much-needed spark in the starting lineup, chipping in 10 points despite some early struggles from the field.

The Knicks, riding a red-hot seven-game winning streak, have leaned heavily on Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby to keep the Nuggets at bay. However, Denver’s ability to generate “easy” looks out of thin air, thanks to Jokic’s wizardry, has kept this game within a possession.

With the fourth quarter looming and the atmosphere at MSG reaching a fever pitch, the Nuggets are leaning on their championship experience to spoil New York’s party. If Jokic keeps finding Watson for easy buckets, the Knicks’ streak might just come to an end tonight.

The post Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic nails Peyton Watson for smooth slam dunk appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Adelman’s frustration boiled over when comparing the treatment of the league’s elite big men to its star guards. “The frustrating thing about these games is Cunningham shoots 11 free throws. Jamal shoots 13. Jokic shoots 3,” Adelman told reporters after the game. “It’s like a totally different game. I’m trying to figure it out. So it’s just two different basketball games going on with the bigs and the smalls.”

The numbers from the box score certainly highlight the disparity. While Jamal Murray was aggressive, leading Denver with 32 points and eight assists while going 12-of-13 from the charity stripe, Nikola Jokic struggled to get the same respect. The “Joker” finished with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists, but he only visited the free-throw line three times despite battling in the paint for 33 minutes.

On the other side, Cade Cunningham orchestrated a balanced Detroit Pistons attack, finishing with 29 points and 10 assists. Detroit never trailed in the contest, torching the Nuggets’ defense early to build a massive 69-50 lead by halftime.

Denver mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback, outscoring the Pistons 41-31 in the final frame, but the hole was simply too deep. A late triple from Tobias Harris and clutch free-throw shooting in the closing seconds allowed Detroit to secure the win and a season sweep over the Nuggets.

For the Denver Nuggets (33-18), the loss is a tough pill to swallow as they continue to navigate a physical Western Conference. If they want to get back into the win column, they’ll need to find a way to thrive even when the whistles aren’t going their way.

The post Nuggets’ David Adelman blasts refs calling ‘different game’ for Nikola Jokic appeared first on ClutchPoints.

In the first quarter, Isaiah Stewart attacked the paint, but Jonas Valanciunas was there to stop him. As Stewart tried to go up for the lay-in, Valanciunas fouled him and put him in a headlock, earning a flagrant foul for excessive contact.

Jonas Valanciunas Receives Flagrant Foul 1 For Excessive and Unnecessary Contact On Isaiah Stewart #detroitbasketball pic.twitter.com/rQXfm2xW6o

— Downtown Deuce (@DowntownDeuce) February 4, 2026

Stewart, who has a history of being short-tempered, did not retaliate.

“Jonas Valanciunas put Isaiah Stewart in a headlock following a foul, and a little barking ensued. Stewart, believe it or not, walked away while Jalen Duren stepped in,” noted ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill.

Valanciunas and Duren were each issued a technical foul for their verbal altercation.

As of writing, the Pistons are comfortably ahead of the Nuggets, 69-50, at halftime.

Valanciunas has three points, five rebounds, and two blocks, while Stewart has nine points and three rebounds. They both came off the bench.

The Nuggets are looking to bounce back after losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. The Pistons, on the other hand, are aiming for their third straight win.

The Nuggets are also trying to get back at the Pistons after falling short in their last meeting, with Jamal Murray costing them the game at the free-throw line.

The 33-year-old Valanciunas recently returned from a calf strain, which forced him to miss three weeks.

Denver is slowly regaining its full roster, with Nikola Jokic and Christian Braun also returning from a knee injury and an ankle injury, respectively.

The post Nuggets’ Jonas Valanciunas gets flagrant foul after MMA move on Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart appeared first on ClutchPoints.

After scoring a game-high 34 points on 11-of-16 shooting, Gilgeous-Alexander talked about Murray’s impressive regular season, thus far.

“Well, well, well-deserving — he’s playing amazing this year, first and foremost,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Really good player. He’s earned it for sure. Might be a little late, to be honest. Just take what they give you. He deserves this. And for Canada basketball, it’s just cool. Growing up, it was like never in a million years. Steve Nash was the only one. He was an anomaly, and it didn’t make sense. He was short and not athletic.

“So, it was like, he was, like, yeah, it’s flukey. Shows how good Steve was. But, yeah, it’s amazing. Just shows the growth of the game. And hats off to those guys like Steve, Andrew Wiggins, Cory Joseph, Tristan Thompsons. The guys that were in the NBA and paved the way for guys like myself, and Jamal. They laid the foundation, and we’ve been able to run with it. And it’s our job to carry it on, and I think we’re doing a good job,” Gilgeous-Alexander concluded.

Jamal Murray finished with a double-double (12 points, 12 assists), as did SGA while leading Oklahoma City to victory with 34 points and 13 assists. Gilgeous-Alexander discussed evolving as a Thunder’s playmaker after an impressive 34-point, 13-assist performance in Sunday’s win against the Nuggets.

Steve Nash calls SGA Canada’s greatest NBA player

As a Canadian-born former guard and two-time MVP, NBA on Prime analyst Steve Nash crowned Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as Canada’s finest.

Nash labeled Gilgeous-Alexander the best Canadian NBA player ever, he said, during an in-studio game that declared Nash the best to hail from Canada, per NBA on Prime.

Amazon Crew if Steve Nash is the best Canadian of all time

Steve Nash chose SGA. Rest of the crew picked Steve. pic.twitter.com/895q9wo7GR

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) January 31, 2026

Steve Nash was an eight-time All-Star, five-time assist champion, and seven-time All-NBA guard and retired without winning a championship. Nash was part of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team as one of the best 75 players to ever play in the association.

The post Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander celebrates Jamal Murray for finally being named an All-Star appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Luckily for Jokic, his knee hyperextension injury sidelined him for 16 games. During this stretch, the Denver Nuggets went 10-6, as Jamal Murray entered the MVP conversation last week.

The reason Jokic’s 16 missed games are important is that he can only miss one more game this season to remain eligible for awards like MVP. Players must participate in at least 65 games to remain eligible for end-of-season awards and accolades.

There are 32 games remaining on the Nuggets’ schedule, including seven back-to-back scenarios. Will Jokic play in all of Denver’s games down the stretch run of the season?

If it were solely up to Jokic, he would never miss a game unless he literally couldn’t step foot on the court. That is what happened after his knee injury, but even then, the three-time MVP wanted to return sooner than the Nuggets let him.

Whether or not the Nuggets look to reduce his minutes after the All-Star break and rest him for “load management” could very well be the difference between Jokic winning his fourth MVP or Gilgeous-Alexander winning his second straight award.

As of right now, Gilgeous-Alexander continues to hold the slight lead over the Nuggets’ center, despite Jokic’s big 31-point night after missing several consecutive weeks with his knee injury.

Previous 2023-24 NBA MVP Rankings: Week 14 | Week 13 | Week 12 | Week 11 | Week 10 | Week 9 | Week 8 | Week 7 | Week 6 | Week 5 | Week 4 | Week 3 | Week 2 | Week 1

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder

Previous ranking: #1

2025-26 season stats: 48 games, 32.0 points, 6.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 55.8 FG%, 39.1 3P%

After scoring 34 points in the Thunder’s 121-111 win over Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, Gilgeous-Alexander has now recorded at least 20 points in 120 consecutive games. He is closing in on Wilt Chamberlain’s NBA record of 126 consecutive games with 20-plus points.

At this rate, SGA should be able to break the record on Feb. 20 at home against the Brooklyn Nets, assuming he doesn’t miss one of Oklahoma City’s next seven games.

Gilgeous-Alexander has been the Thunder’s leading scorer in 11 straight games, and he has scored below 25 points in just one of his last eight games. Although Oklahoma City has hit a rough patch as of late, Gilgeous-Alexander continues to push forward at the top of the MVP rankings.

2. Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets*

Previous ranking: #2

2025-26 season stats: 34 games, 29.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, 10.7 assists, 1.4 steals, 60.9 FG%, 44.0 3P%

Jokic made a clear statement when he returned on Friday night against the LA Clippers, a game the Nuggets comfortably won 122-109. In just 25 minutes, Jokic had 31 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and three steals while shooting 8-of-11 from the floor.

At no point in this game did Jokic look weak or out of rhythm from his knee injury, and he picked up right where he left off in December. It’s certainly not too late for Jokic to catch back up to Gilgeous-Alexander in this MVP race, especially since he is still averaging a triple-double this season. Not to mention, the Nuggets are just a half-game behind the San Antonio Spurs for the 2-seed.

It will be interesting to see how the Nuggets utilize Jokic’s minutes before the All-Star break and if he misses any games.

3. Luka Doncic – Los Angeles Lakers

Previous ranking: #3

2025-26 season stats: 40 games, 33.6 points, 8.8 assists, 8.0 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 47.6 FG%, 34.8 3P%

Luka Doncic is beginning to put together a very compelling case to be right at the top of the MVP rankings with Gilgeous-Alexander, possibly even above Jokic. When Doncic is off the court, the Lakers’ offense has been one of the worst in the NBA, and he is still leading the league in scoring at 33.6 points per game.

This past week certainly didn’t help anyone attempting to catch up to Luka in the scoring race, as the Lakers’ star averaged 35.5 points per game while shooting 54.3 percent from the floor. Doncic (29) currently trails SGA (34) for the most 30-point games this season, but his eight games with at least 40 points lead the league.

As good as Doncic is, the Lakers’ struggles and inconsistencies are why he still finds himself in the No. 3 spot in the NBA MVP rankings.

4. Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics

Previous ranking: #4

2025-26 season stats: 45 games, 29.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.0 steals, 48.5 FG%, 36.2 3P%

Even with the Boston Celtics continuing to find success and tied with the New York Knicks for the 2-seed two weeks before the All-Star break, nobody wants to give Jaylen Brown the MVP attention he deserves.

Aside from being an All-Defensive caliber player this season, Brown ranks fourth in scoring behind only Doncic, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Anthony Edwards. He is also averaging career highs across the board in points, rebounds, and assists.

Should the Celtics continue their upward trajectory in the East, possibly competing with the Detroit Pistons for the top spot in the standings, Brown will absolutely earn himself a top-five spot in the MVP voting this season.

5. Cade Cunningham – Detroit Pistons

Previous ranking: #5

2025-26 season stats: 42 games, 25.2 points, 9.8 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 46.0 FG%, 32.4 3P%

Only two players in the NBA are averaging over nine rebounds per game this season: Jokic and Cade Cunningham.

The Pistons are currently the best team in the East, and they are just two games behind the Thunder for the best record in the NBA. Factor in Cunningham averaging over 25 points per game, and it’s clear to see why he is firmly inside the top five of the MVP race right now.

Not to mention, Cunningham’s defensive abilities have oftentimes gone unnoticed because of his offensive skills. Cunningham has played a huge role in the Pistons ranking second in defensive rating this season. Much like how the Thunder go as Gilgeous-Alexander goes, the same can be said of Cunningham and his feisty Detroit squad.

Just missing the cut

6.Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs [Ranked No. 5 last week]*

7. Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves [Ranked No. 8 last week]

8. Jamal Murray – Denver Nuggets [Ranked No. 7 last week]

9. Jalen Brunson – New York Knicks [Ranked No. 7 last week]

10. Tyrese Maxey – Philadelphia 76ers [Unranked last week]

*Signals player is in danger of meeting 65-game minimum threshold for awards/accolades.

The post ClutchPoints’ NBA MVP Mondays: Top 5 unchanged amid Nikola Jokic’s injury return appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Jokic is a loyal player who will likely retire a Nugget, and Denver hopes that more MVPs and championships will come in his career. The team would never trade him, as not even the most impressive trade package ever created would be enough to land Jokic. He is just too talented. After all, Jokic is an unstoppable scorer and rebounder inside; he is one of the best passers ever despite playing the center position, his basketball IQ is unmatched, and he is regularly one of the most efficient 3-point shooters in the NBA.

It is always fun to theorize potential trades, though, especially after a fellow foreign star and offensive engine like Luka Doncic was shockingly traded last year. While Jokic won’t be traded at the 2026 NBA trade deadline, or anytime soon for that matter, what are some deals that make just an inkling of sense?

Boston Celtics

Celtics receive: Nikola Jokic, Zeke Nnaji

Nuggets receive: Jaylen Brown, Jordan Walsh, Sam Hauser, two first-round picks, four first-round pick swaps, five second-round picks

There isn’t a star worth trading Jokic for, but Jaylen Brown has really upped his game in Jayson Tatum’s absence. With Tatum sidelined, Brown has proven that he is a true megastar, and not just a second option. Like Jokic, Brown is a former NBA Finals MVP. He is averaging 29.4 points per game while playing elite defense this season, and he surprisingly has the Celtics in third place in the Eastern Conference.

Upon Tatum’s return from an achilles tear, though, the preexisting hierarchy of Tatum as 1A and Brown as the second option may return to form. The Celtics just so happen to need a long-term center, too. If they could finesse a deal for one of the best centers in NBA history, they’d be willing to part with Brown, even after all he has done for the franchise this season and in years past.

The Celtics would also part with Jordan Walsh, Sam Hauser, two first-round picks, and pick swaps every other year in this trade. Walsh has really come into his own as a defensive force this season, and Hauser provides 3-point shooting. Despite that being a decent amount of draft capital, it would be far from enough to realistically acquire Jokic. After all, pick swaps wouldn’t do much for Denver because a Jokic-led Celtics team would be picking at the end of the first round on a yearly basis.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Thunder receive: Nikola Jokic

Nuggets receive: Isaiah Hartenstein, Thomas Sorber, Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, eight first-round picks (two of which were originally Denver’s)

Jokic won’t be traded, but if the Nuggets were to even consider a deal for one single second, it would likely only be for a trade package as grand as what the Oklahoma City Thunder could offer. Despite being the reigning champions, the Thunder are set up incredibly well for the future with more draft capital than any other team.

Trading for Jokic would require a bigger trade package than anything seen before. In this deal, the Thunder would trade a whopping eight first-round picks for Jokic. The Thunder’s core was built because of a huge trade in which they added tons of youth and draft capital in return for Paul George. This trade would be eerily similar, but even more grand.

It just may be worth it for the Thunder, though. Jokic is that great. Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will likely have five combined MVPs after this season. Pairing them together, along with All-Star talents in Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, would give the Thunder the potential to be the most unbeatable team in NBA history.

The Thunder would lose role players in Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, and Isaiah Hartenstein in this deal, as well as 2025 first-round pick Thomas Sorber. The team has so much depth that it just wouldn’t matter, though. In addition to a newly formed big four, the Thunder would still have a rotation rounded out by Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, Kenrich Williams, Ajay Mitchell, and Jaylin Williams. Nikola Topic and Ousmane Dieng have the potential to become contributors, too.

San Antonio Spurs

Spurs receive: Nikola Jokic, 2031 first-round pick swap

Nuggets receive: Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, Kelly Olynyk

Jokic and Victor Wembanyama are perhaps the two most untradeable players in the NBA. Nobody is as talented as Jokic, but Wembanyama has a never-before-seen ceiling. The 22-year-old is 7-foot-4 and has a guard-like offensive skill set. He can create off the bounce and hit step back jump shots, which has never been seen before by someone his size. He will also be the perennial Defensive Player of the Year favorite going forward.

While still highly unlikely, the only way either Jokic or Wembanyama would be traded may be if they were dealt for each other. Even then, giving up on the deepest Jokic-led team they’ve had wouldn’t make much sense for Denver, and it would make no sense for San Antonio to get older.

At the end of the day, a Jokic trade has about a 0% chance of happening. These are the three trades that could make fans think for just one second, though.

The post 3 Nikola Jokic blockbuster trades that will never happen appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Recently, ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel reported on the latest on that front, although new intel suggests Denver is more likely to make smaller, cost-cutting measures ahead of Thursday’s deadline.

“As for the Nuggets, they will be making no substantial trade deadline moves despite Peyton Watson set to become a highly coveted restricted free agent in the summer. Instead, Denver will look to move below the tax, which they are roughly $400K above right now, by making a salary dump move involving one of their recent draftees,” reported Siegel.

Siegel also reported on a name that reportedly could be a candidate to be moved in Denver’s quest to get below the task.

“Hunter Tyson is a name that keeps coming up when asking about Denver. In their efforts to save tax money, the Nuggets, sources said, held conversations about Tyson with the Utah Jazz,” he reported.

Tyson got some run in the weeks that Jokic and several other starters were out of the lineup due to various injuries, but overall, the former Clemson Tiger hasn’t solidified himself as a part of the Nuggets’ long term plans moving forward, so it would make sense that he would be a name to watch out for if the ownership is intent on helping out its pockets.

In any case, the Nuggets appear content with the team they have, which nearly took out Oklahoma City in last year’s semifinal series.

Denver will next hit the floor on Tuesday evening on the road against the Detroit Pistons.

The post Nuggets rumors: The luxury-tax ducking trade that could be made before deadline appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Peyton Watson on defending SGA

"I don't want to give too much away because we're going to have to play them in the playoffs."

"He's a super complete player. I think he passed the ball amazing tonight." pic.twitter.com/MRYdVMl9oR

— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) February 2, 2026

Speaking to DNVR Sports, Watson said, “I don’t want to give too much away because we’re going to have to play him in the playoffs.” Meanwhile, the Thunder bounced back after a loss to the Timberwolves and snapped Denver’s two-game winning streak. In the process, Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 34 points on 11-of-16 shooting and 11-of-13 from the free throw line, along with 13 assists and five rebounds. Watson led the Nuggets with 29 points, but the result still stung. As the night unfolded, the crowd felt the shift. From the opening tip, Oklahoma City dictated tempo.

Despite the loss, Watson did not hide his respect for the Thunder star. “He’s a super complete player. I think he passed the ball amazing tonight,” Watson said. “And that got some other guys going, like Cason Wallace.” Throughout the game, Gilgeous-Alexander attacked in every way possible. He scored, created, and forced defenders into tough choices. At the same time, Watson explained the mental challenge of guarding him.

“I’m constantly aware that he’s looking for contact… trying to bait me into tough positions to get me to foul him.” Because of that, the mission was simple. Stay disciplined. Keep him off the line. In the end, that mission failed.

A Nuggets-Thunder playoff preview with tension

As a result, the loss carried more meaning than one game. Instead, it felt like a preview of something larger. On one side, the Nuggets saw how dangerous Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can be when he controls rhythm. On the other, the Thunder saw how much Peyton Watson can grow in big moments. In Watson’s view, Gilgeous-Alexander makes shots, handles the ball, passes well, and does everything on the floor.

Now, film study begins. Next, adjustments will follow. Still, silence will remain part of the plan. Watson will not tip his hand.

Under the stadium lights, this matchup just gained weight. So when the Nuggets and Thunder meet again with everything on the line, who will solve the puzzle first?

The post Nuggets’ Peyton Watson refuses to divulge Shai Gilgeous-Alexander secrets with playoff prediction appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Though Murray is happy about being an All-Star, he has not liked how the game is played, especially over the past few years. It’s a conversation that has been brought up time after time, and there have been several changes in the format to make it more competitive, but to no avail. Murray recently spoke about the lack of hustle in the game, but he plans on changing the narrative when he steps on the court.

“I really kind of lost interest in All-Star just watching whatever they’re doing out there. I’d rather go on vacation if that’s the basketball we’re going to be playing…I would like to play (hard),” Murray said.

Murray plans to play hard in the All-Star Game:

“I really kind of lost interest in All-Star just watching whatever they’re doing out there. I’d rather go on vacation if that’s the basketball we’re going to be playing…I would like to play (hard).

full answer pic.twitter.com/nU64KuPvcy

— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) February 2, 2026

It will be interesting to see if the new Team USA vs. Team World will make things better, but the only thing that will improve the play is if the players actually compete.

Outside of the lack of hustle, Murray spoke about what it meant for him to be an All-Star, and it seems like a big accomplishment not just for him, but for his family as well.

“I’m honestly just really happy for my dad. He really wanted me to make it,” Murray said.

Jamal Murray on making the All-Star game and wanting to be All-NBA:

"I'm honestly just really happy for my dad. He really wanted me to make it."

"I want to be All-NBA. I feel like that's a bigger award…your play shows all year into the playoffs…"

Full answer: pic.twitter.com/UyEn8wsPOK

— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) February 2, 2026

Now that Murray has secured his first All-Star, he’s looking to knock out another accomplishment that takes his entire season into account.

“I want to be All-NBA. I feel like that’s a bigger award…your play shows all year into the playoffs,” Murray said.

The post Nuggets’ Jamal Murray rips recent NBA All-Star Games to shreds over lack of hustle appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Nuggets were looking for their third straight win as they hosted the Thunder at Ball Arena on Sunday. It could be a preview of the conference finals, with Denver and Oklahoma City getting back Nikola Jokic and Isaiah Hartenstein, respectively, from injuries.

But in the first quarter, it was Peyton who starred. He received the perfect pass from Jokic as he cut to the basket. He then served up a nasty throwdown against Holmgren, who did not make a business decision.

PEYTON WATSON THROWS IT DOWN OVER CHET HOLMGREN pic.twitter.com/sGpU2Zu7i0

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 2, 2026

Talk about having an extra altitude in Mile High City.

Watson continues to make his case for Most Improved Player, showing that he can produce all-around numbers when given ample minutes. He has stepped up admirably, as Jokic, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, Jonas Valanciunas, and Cameron Johnson have all missed time due to injuries.

The 23-year-old Watson may not be an All-Star yet like Holmgren, but he has definitely earned the respect of his peers. He has credited Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant for his continued pursuit of success.

The fourth-year-forward is set to become a free agent by the end of the season, and he is expected to garner a lot of interest and earn big money. He is averaging 14.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.2 blocks in 30.3 minutes.

As of writing, the Nuggets are trailing the Thunder at halftime, 62-55. Watson has a team-high 13 points.

The post Nuggets’ Peyton Watson throws down monster dunk over Chet Holmgren appeared first on ClutchPoints.

When Jamal Murray stepped onto the floor at Ball Arena for Sunday night’s high-stakes showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Mile High City faithful gave him the hero’s welcome he has earned a dozen times over.

As the PA announcer introduced the “Your first time All-Star” the arena erupted into a thunderous standing ovation. Chants of “JAMALLSTAR” rained down from the rafters, providing a fitting soundtrack for a player who has served as the heartbeat of Denver’s offense alongside Nikola Jokic.

“JAMALLSTAR!”

Jamal Murray receives a standing ovation from Nuggets' fans after earning his NBA All-Star selection

(via @DNVR_Nuggets)pic.twitter.com/2U0roj3Qmr

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 2, 2026

Murray’s inclusion feels like a massive weight lifted off the franchise. While he has always been a “playoff riser”, boasting multiple 50-point postseason games and a championship ring, the regular-season accolade had eluded him due to a crowded West backcourt and past injury hurdles.

This season, however, his production left coaches with no choice. Murray is currently torching the league with career-high averages of 25.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. His efficiency is equally absurd, as he is shooting a career-best 49.2% from the field and 44.7% from three-point range.

The timing of the nod is perfect for a Nuggets team currently sitting second in the West at 33-16. Murray carried the load recently while Jokic recovered from a knee bone bruise, proving he remains one of the most dangerous offensive engines in basketball.

By joining Jokic in the midseason showcase, the duo becomes the first pair of Nuggets teammates to make the All-Star Game together since Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups in 2010. For the player affectionately known as “The Blue Arrow,” the standing ovation was about nine years of resilience finally getting its flowers.

The post Nuggets’ Jamal Murray gets massive ovation following All-Star nod appeared first on ClutchPoints.