Denver Nuggets DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (adductor) is officially active for Monday night's game against the New York Knicks. Watson was listed probable throughout the day and should be expected to be in tonight's starting lineup. Watson has been solid as a starter with Aaron Gordon missing time. The 22-year-old has averaged 13.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG and 1.4 blocks per game as a starter this season while shooting 48.1% from three during those starts. He will provide intriguing fantasy value in Monday night's game as the Knicks are giving up a high volume of corner threes as of late, an area of the floor Watson can capitalize on. With Gordon not having a timetable for return, fantasy managers should look to add Watson going forward. If he can get more chances from three and continue making them at a high clip then his fantasy value should rise even higher.

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf) has no timetable yet for his return, according to head coach Michael Malone. Gordon has been dealing with a calf strain and has missed eight straight games coming into Monday night. Malone said this injury has been particularly tough mentally for AG, given how high of a level he was playing at before his injury. The 29-year-old averaged 15.4 points and 6.7 rebounds while maintaining a plus-12.5 net rating in seven games of action. Fantasy managers will need to wait longer for Gordon to hit the court. In the meantime, Peyton Watson should continue to gain starts at forward for Denver, helping provide the defensive edge Gordon provides with less offensive production. Watson will bring his most fantasy value with blocks. He's also shooting 38.5% from three this season and could bring much more offensive value if his three-point volume goes up.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (personal) is expected to return to action on Friday against Dallas. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Jokic will be available for the matchup. The Jokic family recently welcomed a new baby, resulting in a three-game absence for the three-time MVP. Jokic has been posting absurd numbers this season, including against the Mavericks in his most recent appearance. He racked up 37 points, 18 rebounds, 15 assists, and three steals in a 122-120 win on Nov. 10. Jokic's return pushes Dario Saric back to the bench.

According to Kathy Winge of AltitudeTV, Denver Nuggets forwardAaron Gordon's (calf) status for Friday's game with the Dallas Mavericks is still to be determined. Gordon hopes to return after suffering a right-calf strain after missing multiple weeks of action. The 29-year-old's potential return could be a big boost for fantasy managers, as he averaged 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 0.7 steals in 30.3 minutes per game over his first seven outings.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (personal) was absent from practice on Thursday, as reported by Katy Winge of AltitudeTV. This leaves his availability for Friday's game against the Dallas Mavericks uncertain. The 29-year-old has been sidelined for three straight games due to personal matters. In his absence, veteran center Dario Saric is expected to keep getting additional playing time, as he's averaged 28.0 minutes over the last three outings.