Washington Wizards vs Denver Nuggets: Injury Updates, Predicted Lineups and Starting 5s - February 25th, 2021 | NBA Season 2020-21
Bradley Beal and company visit Ball Arena in Colorado as the Washington Wizards take on the Denver Nuggets on the road. The Wizards had an underwhelming start to the 2020-21 NBA season but have now found some rhythm. Scott Brooks' side were on a five-game win streak, which ended at the hands of the LA Clippers in their last outing.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have turned it around themselves after their underwhelming start to the campaign. Thanks to Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic's exploits, the Nuggets now hold a winning record.
This is the second time these two teams are meeting this season. Their last encounter came just a week ago, when the Wizards beat the Nuggets by 2 points in a close thriller.
Washington Wizards vs Denver Nuggets: Injury Updates
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards' main center, Thomas Bryant continues to be sidelined for the foreseeable future after he suffered a torn ACL on his left knee. He is reportedly scheduled to undergo surgery in New York. Backup guard Ish Smith will miss the next 6-8 weeks after he was diagnosed with a proximal injury to his right quadriceps.
Meanwhile, forward Davis Bertans is listed as questionable for the game due to a knee injury.
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets have several injury issues to deal with themselves. Forward JaMychal Green has been sidelined for the game due to a shoulder injury and guards PJ Dozier has been ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury.
Starting shooting guard Gary Harris is also not going to suit up because of a thigh injury and starting power forward Paul Millsap is sidelined due to a knee issue.
Meanwhile, forward Greg Whittington is listed as questionable for the game after suffering a knee injury.
Washington Wizards vs Denver Nuggets: Predicted Lineups
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards will continue to use the lineup that has worked well for them over the past couple of games. The Wizards' star backcourt of Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal will start as usual. Garrison Mathews will start as the small forward and Rui Hachimura will share the frontcourt with him. Moritz Wagner is the starting center in place of Thomas Bryant. Rookie Deni Avdija has been impressive off the bench.
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets' rotation will be hampered as they are missing several key pieces. Two starters, Gary Harris and Paul Millsap, are sidelined and their backups, Greg Whittington and JaMychal Green are ruled out as well.
Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic retain their usual positions as starting point guard and center respectively. Monte Morris is expected to start in place of Gary Harris as the two-guard and Michael Porter Jr. might play the power forward as Millsap and Green are both ruled out. Will Barton will be the team's starting small forward.
Washington Wizards vs Denver Nuggets: Predicted Starting 5s
Washington Wizards
G - Russell Westbrook, G - Bradley Beal, F - Garrison Mathews, F - Rui Hachimura, C - Moritz Wagner
Denver Nuggets
G - Jamal Murray, G - Monte Morris, F - Will Barton, F - Michael Porter Jr., C - Nikola Jokic
Also Read: Washington Wizards vs Denver Nuggets Preview and Match Prediction - February 25th, 2021 | NBA Season 2020-21