Julian Strawther was downgraded from day-to-day to out Friday night after a diagnosis of a left knee sprain, with a re-evaluation set for six weeks out. Denver will open its season against the Lakers without its top reserve guard.
What happened
Strawther went from day-to-day on Thursday to out as of Friday, Oct. 16 at 9:06 p.m. ET, with the injury report listing knee, leg, left. Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports that Strawther was diagnosed with a left knee sprain Friday and will be re-evaluated in six weeks. The downgrade came the same night the Nuggets were set to open their season at the Lakers.
What it means for the Nuggets
Denver opens its 2026-27 season at the Lakers on Friday, Oct. 16 at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, with the team at 0-0 since the season has not started. Strawther played 57 games last season, averaging 15.1 minutes, 7.2 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists off the bench. In his absence, guards Christian Braun (31.8 minutes, 12.0 points), Tim Hardaway Jr. (26.6 minutes, 13.5 points) and Bruce Brown (24.4 minutes, 7.9 points) have logged the most rotation minutes, alongside Jamal Murray (35.4 minutes, 25.4 points) and Nikola Jokic (34.8 minutes, 27.7 points) anchoring the lineup.
What to watch
Strawther's re-evaluation is set for around Nov. 29, six weeks from Friday's diagnosis, though no specific return date has been announced. The next injury report will show whether his status changes before then. Denver also listed DeMar DeRozan (day-to-day, rest) and Spencer Jones (day-to-day, hamstring) on Friday's report.
Is Julian Strawther playing at Lakers (Fri, Oct 16)?
No. Strawther is out with a left knee sprain, per the Friday injury report.
When will Julian Strawther be back?
Not announced. He is set for a re-evaluation in six weeks, around Nov. 29, per Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette. No return date has been given.