Denver Nuggets DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf) still doesn't have a timeline for return from his most recent calf strain. Head coach Michael Malone told reporters on Saturday that he doesn't expect Gordon to return for this weekend's game, putting his next potential chance for a return to be on Tuesday when the Nuggets host the Boston Celtics. The 29-year-old has missed the past three games and will have missed at least six games. Gordon also missed time earlier this season with the same right calf strain. As a repeat injury it may cause some concern with fantasy managers but the Nuggets feel confident he won't be out for a considerable amount of time. In his absence, Russell Westbrook has been getting starts and will be a solid fantasy option in Denver's starting lineup.

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (ankle) has been upgraded to available ahead of Saturday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Murray is dealing with an ankle sprain, but has been able to play nearly 40 minutes in each of the last two games. It doesn't appear to be something that is going to cause Murray to miss time or impact his performance on the court. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable leaving Murray in their lineups for Saturday's game. Murray is coming off a double-double on Friday and looks to keep it going against Detroit.

Denver Nuggets forward/center Aaron Gordon (calf) will likely be absent for multiple games. Harrison Wind of TheDNVR.com reports that Nuggets head coach Michael Malone said Gordon will miss the "next couple of games." Gordon's absence starts with Friday's matchup against Cleveland. In an interesting move, Malone has replaced Gordon with Russell Westbrook in the starting lineup. However, we should also see Peyton Watson more involved in Denver's play due to Gordon's injury.

Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray (ankle) will play in Friday's matchup against Cleveland. The Canadian star is dealing with an ankle injury but has been upgraded from probable to available. Murray saw a four-game run of 20-point performances come to an end on Christmas Day when he finished a 110-100 loss to Phoenix with 13 points. It won't be easy for him to get back on track on Friday, as the Cavaliers allow the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing point guards.

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (ankle) returned from a quick sprained ankle absence to play on Christmas day and is considered probable to play again on Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The former NBA Champ was able to play 39 minutes against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday and registered 13 points, six rebounds, and six assists while shooting 4-for-10 from the floor and 1-for-2 from three. Whenever he's available, Murray should be started in all formats, but his presence takes some fantasy value away from Peyton Watson.