The Denver Nuggets host the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night in a blockbuster Western Conference showdown.
Denver enters Friday's game amid a recent tough stretch as they have dropped five of their last 10 games including a blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
Los Angeles also enters Friday's game amid a rough stretch as they have dropped their last three games including a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night.
While both teams are struggling, Friday's matchup is a major one as the two teams are separated by just one game in the West standings with the Nuggets having the one-game advantage.
Both teams will also enter Friday's game beat up, especially Denver who has listed seven players on their injury report.
Denver's injury report is headlined by their star duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, who are both listed as probable and are expected to suit up barring a setback before tipoff.
May 12, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) works around Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) as forward Aaron Gordon (50) sets a pick in the third quarter of game four of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
The Nuggets have also listed Christian Braun and Zeke Nnaji as probable for Friday's game and they have already ruled out both Julian Strawther and DaRon Holmes II.
Denver may also be without Aaron Gordon once again as he has been listed as questionable with an ankle injury. Gordon has missed the Nuggets' prior two games due to an ankle and calf injury and he is in danger of missing his third consecutive game on Friday.
If Gordon is out against the Lakers, expect Russell Westbrook to continue to fill in for him in the starting lineup.
On the other side, the Lakers will also be shorthanded. Los Angeles has ruled out LeBron James, who continues to recover from a groin injury and they have also ruled out Luka Doncic due to left calf injury management and a right ankle sprain.
The Lakers have also ruled out Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber and they have listed Trey Jamison III as questionable and Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent as doubtful for Friday's game.
Fans can catch Friday's blockbuster matchup between the Lakers and Nuggets at 9:30 p.m. EST on NBA TV.
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This story was originally published March 14, 2025 at 5:30 PM.