DeRozan was listed day-to-day on the Nuggets' injury report Wednesday with a rest issue, his first appearance on a report this preseason. His availability for that night's game at the Clippers was unresolved as of the report, tipoff 10:30 PM ET on NBA TV.
What happened
DeRozan appeared on the Nuggets' injury report Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 9:16 PM ET, listed day-to-day with a rest issue, classified as "other." He had not shown up on a prior report, so there is no previous status to compare. The listing followed Sunday's preseason game against Chicago, a 133-128 Nuggets win, in which DeRozan played nine minutes and scored two points on 0-of-4 shooting, including 0-of-1 from three-point range, with two makes on two free throws. He added two rebounds and two assists in that stretch.
What it means for the Nuggets
DeRozan's status for Wednesday's preseason game at the Clippers, tipping off at 10:30 PM ET on NBA TV, is in question with the day-to-day tag. Last season he averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 31.2 minutes across 77 games, the kind of scoring and playmaking the Nuggets would miss if he sits. Denver's rotation without him has leaned on Jamal Murray (35.4 minutes, 25.4 points) and Nikola Jokic (34.8 minutes, 27.7 points), with Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson, Peyton Watson, Aaron Gordon, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown rounding out the minutes. The 2026-27 regular season has not started, so there is no record to cite with or without him on the floor.
What to watch
The Nuggets' next injury report will show whether DeRozan's rest designation changes before tipoff or holds through the game at the Clippers. His expected return is listed as Oct. 16, two days out. Denver is still in the preseason window, with the 2026-27 regular season yet to begin, so his next several appearances will come in exhibition games before the games that count.
Is DeMar DeRozan playing against the Clippers?
He is day-to-day with a rest issue as of Wednesday's 9:16 PM ET injury report, and his availability for that night's game at the Clippers was not settled as of the report.
When will DeMar DeRozan be back?
His expected return is listed as Oct. 16.