Mile High Tape · Morning

Denver Gets Its Wings Back Against a Winless Warriors Defense

Denver's passing needs shooters around Jokic, and tonight two of them may return against a team allowing 122.2 points per 100 possessions.

By the Nuggets Nightly Desk · Monday, October 26

Cameron Johnson and Alpha Diallo were upgraded Sunday and both are listed to return tonight against Golden State. Spencer Jones moved back to out with a hamstring issue, and his target is Wednesday at New Orleans.

Nuggets Nightly artwork — Illustration by Hoops Nightly.

What comes back tonight?

Johnson and Diallo are both listed with an estimated return of today. Johnson has played 11.3 minutes in one game this season, so the start next to Gordon, Braun, Murray and Jokic is nearly untested. That group posted a +13.5 net rating in 2025-26, a small sample, but it is the best evidence Denver has of what the passing looks like with real spacing.

What does Golden State offer?

The Warriors are 0-3 and have lost all three. Over those games they scored 110.2 points per 100 possessions and allowed 122.2, a net of minus 12.0. Jimmy Butler III, Kristaps Porzingis and Moses Moody are out, and three others are day-to-day. Stephen Curry has played two games and averages 23.5 points. Steve Kerr's team is thin and leaking.

How much did Saturday settle?

Denver beat New Orleans 141-135 in overtime. Murray scored 42, and Jokic had 35 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. ESPN reported that the comeback came from 23 down. That is a result, not a method. The Nuggets are 1-1 and seventh in the West, one game behind sixth-place Portland at 2-0, and this is the softest opponent in their next five.

Who plays the wing minutes?

Jones is out until at least Wednesday, and Julian Strawther remains out with a knee injury. Nugg Love reported that the wing injuries could push Cam Whitmore and Bryce Hopkins into action. If Johnson and Diallo both play tonight, the rotation settles. If either sits, the question returns on Wednesday.

Is Cameron Johnson playing against the Warriors?

He is listed day-to-day with an ankle issue and an estimated return of October 26, the date of the game. His status is not final until Denver confirms it.

Where are the Nuggets in the West standings?

Denver is 1-1 and seventh in the West. The Nuggets are one game behind sixth-place Portland, which is 2-0.

By the Nuggets Nightly Desk, written from the club's data and the reports on file, with every name and number checked against them. How the desks work.