Jokic Is a Game-Time Call Against the Spurs, and Denver's Got a Lot on the Line
The Denver Nuggets are treating Sunday's regular-season finale like a preseason tuneup. The team ruled out most of their rotation for the second consecutive game ahead of their matchup against San Antonio, but there is one massive exception: three-time MVP Nikola Jokic is listed as questionable. Here is the thing, though. Jokic needs to play at least 15 minutes Sunday to stay eligible for postseason awards. So do not be shocked if he takes the floor.
Depth Is Out, But the MVP Might Play Anyway
Denver is being cautious heading into the postseason, and it shows. The Nuggets are without Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson, and Christian Braun on Sunday. All five of those guys, including Jokic, sat out Friday's 127-107 win over Oklahoma City. Tim Hardaway Jr., who did play against the Thunder, is also sidelined. Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones have both missed the last several games with right hamstring strains and will not suit up either.
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👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiSo yeah, Denver is basically running on fumes for this one. But that 15-minute threshold for Jokic? That is not nothing when it comes to awards voting.
The Seed Situation Is Actually Complicated
Here is where it gets messy. Denver enters as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference at 53-28. The Los Angeles Lakers are one game back at 52-29 and hold the tiebreaker thanks to an overtime win against Denver last month. If the Lakers beat Utah on Sunday and the Nuggets lose to San Antonio, Denver drops to the No. 4 seed.
As the No. 3 seed, Denver would match up with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. Drop to No. 4, and they face the Houston Rockets instead. San Antonio, locked in as the No. 2 seed in the West, could help force Denver into Oklahoma City's bracket with a win.
The Spurs have Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Devin Vassell listed as questionable. Wembanyama already punched his postseason awards ticket by playing Friday.
Sunday is not just about resting up. These seedings matter.
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