Denver Nuggets DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun will move into the starting five ahead of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 22-year-old will be the lone change to the starting five on Saturday. Fellow guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (personal) will sit this game out which will give Braun an expanded role. Despite the extra minutes, Braun isn't an ideal streaming option for Saturday's slate. He hasn't been able to do much on the court lately with five points or less in three of his last four games.

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (ankle) is available ahead of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Murray has been dealing with an ankle issue but was cleared to play after going through his pregame routine. Reggie Jackson is expected to remain on the bench and won't have great streaming appeal there. Fellow guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (personal) has been ruled out. That means Justin Holiday will likely start alongside Murray on Saturday. Holiday doesn't offer great value even on a small-slate night. Fantasy managers should make sure they have Murray back in their lineups.

Los Angeles Clippers point guard Russell Westbrook will be out indefinitely after fracturing his left hand in Friday's 140-115 win over Washington. The former MVP managed to log 10 minutes in the contest, registering six points and an assist with 2-for-3 shooting. Westbrook has been one of the most productive bench players in the league this season, averaging 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists with 1.1 steals. With Westbrook on the shelf, Bones Hyland looks set to re-enter the rotation. He made his first appearance since Jan. 31 on Friday, finishing with two points and seven assists in 16 minutes.

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (ankle) suffered a sprained ankle on Thursday against the Miami Heat. The Nuggets have been cautious with Murray as he dealt with several leg injuries this season. He's sat out 16 games so far. 33-year-old point guard Reggie Jackson will see more minutes if Murray cannot suit up. Denver's starting point guard has averaged 20.5 points and 6.3 assists in 44 contests when healthy.

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (ankle) suffered a sprained ankle on Thursday during the second quarter of their game against the Miami Heat. He was able to walk off the floor under his own power but showed a noticeable limp. The team has been using a cautious approach with Murray due to the various leg injuries that have kept him out of 16 different games this year. With that being said, they're determined to stay with the same approach heading into their game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. Head coach Michael Malone said that if he can't play up to his usual standard and be effective, then they're not going to risk any further injury. The official injury report hasn't been released yet.