Denver Nuggets

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (back) drew another questionable tag on Friday while he deals with lingering effects from lower back pain. The two-time MVP was forced to miss their last game on Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder and had to watch a five-point loss. Now, the Nuggets will take on a team at the opposite end of the standings in the Portland Trail Blazers. It wouldn't be surprising if the team just played it cautiously with Jokic, but he also hasn't had to miss much time throughout his career. If he remains on the sidelines for another game, Peyton Watson or DeAndre Jordan will enter the starting five. Jordan did not play in their last contest, so Watson, Christian Braun, and Zeke Nnaji saw some extra opportunities.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (back) is listed as out for Wednesday's matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Lower back pain will cause a rare absence for Jokic, who hasn't sat out since late November. The 28-year-old two-time MVP sounds to be day-to-day and hopes to return when the Nuggets host the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. Veteran DeAndre Jordan put on a vintage performance in a spot start when Jokic was out on Nov. 27 against the Los Angeles Clippers, posting 21 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block. Jordan sets up as a strong plug-and-play option as Denver's probable starting center in both DFS and season-long formats despite Chet Holmgren (ankle) suiting up for the Thunder.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (back) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Thunder. The reigning Finals MVP is dealing with lower back pain and might sit out only his second game of the season. Jokic's only previous absence came on Nov. 27 against the Clippers, when Denver completed a back-to-back. DeAndre Jordan got a start against his former team and had a big game with 21 points and 13 rebounds. It's unlikely he will repeat the effort on Wednesday if Jordan gets the call again.

Denver Nuggets power forward Aaron Gordon (shoulder) continues to sit on the injury report with a probable designation ahead of Tuesday's matchup against Indiana. He's been playing through a right shoulder sprain lately and is fully expected to continue to do so on Tuesday. This will be a great matchup for Gordon and the Nuggets against a pacy team that struggles on the defensive end. The two teams had their first meeting of the season not long ago, and Gordon produced one of his best performances of the campaign with a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double.

Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (illness) is probable ahead of Tuesday's game in Indiana. The 25-year-old carried a questionable designation for the same reason before Sunday's meeting with the Washington Wizards. However, he was out there, finishing with 19 points, five rebounds, two blocks, and two steals in 32 minutes. Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean he'll be healthy for Tuesday's contest, although it would be surprising if he didn't suit up. At any rate, if Porter can't go, Peyton Watson, averaging 17 points in two starts this year, would likely fill his spot in the lineup. But with Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon (shoulder) on the floor, it will be tough for Watson to do anything meaningful for fantasy managers.