Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans: Injury Report, Predicted Lineups and Starting 5s - December 8th, 2021 | NBA Season 2021-22
The Denver Nuggets resume their seven-game road trip on Wednesday when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Nuggets are currently 2-2 on their road trip after losing to the Chicago Bulls, while the Pelicans fell to the Houston Rockets on Sunday.
The Nuggets have been ravaged by injuries this season as they continue to miss two of their three best players. It was evident in the 109-97 loss to the Bulls that Nikola Jokic could not do it himself. Jokic posted a triple-double, but Denver still lost.
Final https://t.co/LxKmZbsc6l
Meanwhile, the Pelicans are officially the worst team in the Western Conference after losing to the Rockets, 118-108. Brandon Ingram's 40-point effort was not enough for the Pelicans to beat the Rockets.
Denver Nuggets Injury Report
The Denver Nuggets have a whopping seven players on their injury report for the game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Four players are listed as out, two are doubtful and one is probable. Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic is listed as probable with a right forearm contusion, but he's expected to play.
Bol Bol and Bones Hyland are still doubtful and possibly unavailable as they are still in the NBA's health and safety protocols. Austin Rivers is also on quarantine, but he's listed as out. P.J. Dozier is also listed as out due to a left ACL sprain and is expected to miss several weeks.
Meanwhile, Jamal Murray continues to be out as he recovers from a left knee injury suffered last season. Michael Porter Jr. is out indefinitely after undergoing lumbar spine surgery last week.
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report
Not to be outdone, the New Orleans Pelicans also have seven players on their injury list for Wednesday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets. Six players are listed as out, while one is questionable. Josh Hart is listed as questionable with left knee soreness and has missed the past three games.
Jose Alvarado, Jaxson Hayes and Trey Murphy III are all listed as out and assigned to the NBA G League. Daulton Hommes and Didi Lozada are also listed as out, but Hommes has a right fibular stress fracture and Lozada is suspended by the league for violating the substance abuse policy.
Zion Williamson is the biggest name on the Pelicans' injury report. Williamson continues to recover from a fractured right foot, which has kept him out of the season. He's expected to play this season, but it appears he's still out of shape and his recovery has slowed down.
Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans: Predicted Lineups
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets have to rely on depth as they face the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. Nikola Jokic is the superstar center with Aaron Gordon and Jeff Green in the forward positions.
Monte Morris is the starting point guard, while Will Barton is at shooting guard. Off the bench, the Nuggets will need quality minutes from players such as Zeke Nnaji, JaMychal Green, Facundo Campazzo and Davon Reed.
New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans are not expected to make any changes to their starting five against the Denver Nuggets. Devonte' Graham and Garrett Temple are the backcourt players, while Brandon Ingram is at small forward.
Rookie forward Herb Jones is a starter alongside Jonas Valanciunas at center. The Pelicans rotation also includes Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Willy Hernangomez, Kira Lewis Jr. and Tomas Satoransky.
Closing score for this road trip. https://t.co/qS4uW9wvWa
Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans: Starting 5s
Denver Nuggets
Point Guard - Monte Morris | Shooting Guard - Will Barton | Small Forward - Jeff Green | Power Forward - Aaron Gordon | Center - Nikola Jokic
New Orleans Pelicans
Point Guard - Devonte' Graham | Shooting Guard - Garrett Temple | Small Forward - Brandon Ingram | Power Forward - Herb Jones | Center - Jonas Valanciunas