Denver Nuggets DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Golden State Warriors forward/center Dario Saric (knee) is a game-time decision for Friday's contest with the Hornets due to right knee soreness. Saric has played in three of the last 10 Golden State games, averaging 0.7 points, 0.3 assists, and 0.3 rebounds in 5.3 minutes per contest. If the 29-year-old suits up, Saric will get limited minutes on the court and should not be on any fantasy manager's radar for all fantasy formats.

Denver Nuggets forward/center Zeke Nnaji (thigh) has been ruled out for Friday's game versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. Nnaji will miss his sixth consecutive game thanks to ongoing issues with tendinitis on his right thigh. Denver only plays Nnaji 9.7 minutes per game, but his absence opens more bench minutes. Peyton Watson, Justin Holiday, DeAndre Jordan, and Julian Strawther have a slightly higher chance at contributing more on the fantasy side without Nnaji. The Nuggets starters will likely play their usual minutes, since Nnaji is not a difference maker in their rotation. There is no official timetable on Nnaji's return to action, but he's expected to return before the season ends.

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Murray has missed the last three games with right knee inflammation. Fantasy owners will have to sweat it out again with Murray's status up in the air, trending toward a game-time decision. Reggie Jackson is the biggest benefactor, as he's averaged 16.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in 19 games without Murray this season. Collin Gillespie also gets more playing time as a reserve in the games Murray misses and has averaged 18.7 minutes over the last three games.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (back/hip) is listed as probable heading into Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The two-time MVP is dealing with hip and back inflammation, but he has played the last two games after sitting out one. Jokic is favored to win another MVP this season, and the Nuggets are fighting for home-court advantage in the Western Conference to make his playing status more important. Stats come easy to Jokic to make his health a significant variable for fantasy teams if he plays his usual minutes. Jokic missing games sees Aaron Gordon, DeAndre Jordan, and Peyton Watson increase their value, but he should suit up Friday in an important game for postseason seeding.

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (foot) will play on Thursday against Phoenix. He's been battling a right plantar fascia strain for at least a few games. However, the 28-year-old finally sat out, missing Monday's win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Christian Braun got the start and played exceptionally well, finishing with 17 points off 8-for-10 shooting from the field. But with Gordon back in the lineup, Braun's fantasy ceiling will come crashing down.