Three Preseason Games Stand Between Denver and Oklahoma City
Before the regular-season opener at Oklahoma City, Denver has three preseason games left to set rotations and find out whether Jokic's cold shooting stretch is anything to worry about.
Denver closes its preseason with three games that carry no standings weight but still shape rotations before the schedule turns real at Oklahoma City. A returning core will use them to answer two things: who covers for Spencer Jones until he's back, and whether Jokic's recent shooting slump holds.
Three Tests, No Standings On The Line
Denver plays three more preseason games before the opener: the Bulls at home on ESPN, at the Clippers on NBA TV, then at the Lakers on ESPN. None of it counts, but each game is a chance for David Adelman to settle rotations before October 22 actually matters.
Spencer Jones Timed His Return To The Bulls Game
Jones has been day-to-day since October 2 with a hamstring and leg issue, and the estimated return date lines up with the Bulls game on October 11. He had been playing 10 more minutes a night over his prior three games with a teammate out — now it's his own health holding up that plan.
Jokic's Three-Point Shot Is Worth Watching This Week
Jokic strung together six straight double-doubles last season, pairing double-digit scoring with double-digit rebounds or assists every night. Over his last five games, though, he's shot just 17 percent from three. Three more preseason outings, including the Lakers trip, are the next data points on whether that's a blip.
The Lakers Game Is The Clearest Measuring Stick
Denver's history with the Lakers runs through a sweep in the 2023 conference finals and Jamal Murray's buzzer-beaters in 2024. The October 16 game won't carry that weight, but it's the last tune-up before Oklahoma City, the team that ended Denver's season in seven games last year.
When does Spencer Jones return for the Nuggets?
Jones has been day-to-day since October 2 with a hamstring and leg injury, with an estimated return of October 11 against the Bulls.
Who do the Nuggets play before the regular-season opener?
Denver has three preseason games left — the Bulls at home on October 11, at the Clippers on October 14, and at the Lakers on October 16 — before opening the regular season at Oklahoma City on October 22.
