The Denver Nuggets season is on the brink of falling apart as a result of a series of injuries that have affected five out of their top nine players.
Last year, Jamal Murray suffered an ACL tear, which immediately indicated that he would miss a significant portion of the 2021 season. Unfortunately, the team is now facing additional challenges as PJ Dozier also tore his ACL and will be out for the rest of the season. Additionally, Michael Porter Jr. is undergoing his fourth back surgery, which raises concerns about his future suitability. These injuries are further compounded by the recent illnesses that have sidelined Bones Hyland due to a right ankle sprain, and Nikola Jokic has been unable to play for the past week. It’s important to note that these setbacks follow the recoveries of other players like Will Barton III (low back pain), Zeke Nnaji (right ankle sprain), and Vlatko Cancar (strained shoulder).
According to Michael Malone, the Nuggets’ head coach, the injuries of Hyland and Jokic are deemed to be less severe. As a result, they were able to make their comebacks against the Miami Heat on Monday. Additionally, Porter may potentially join Dozier, who is currently without a job. Both Hyland and Austin Rivers have followed health and safety protocols, indicating that they might be sidelined for a considerable period of time.
wounds significantly affecting the Nuggets
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Porter is set to undergo multiple surgeries and will be out for an unspecified period of time. Shams Charania of The Athletic suggests that Porter is expected to miss the remainder of the year. The Nuggets have a history of prioritizing the long-term health of their players, especially those with more severe injuries. They do not consider illness-related absences as a factor when it comes to player welfare.
Due to his likely absence for the rest of the season, Porter’s absence will severely hinder the Nuggets’ offensive production. This setback is particularly disheartening as Porter was among the top contenders at the beginning of the season for the Most Improved Player award, but now his chances of winning it have been completely dashed.
Bettors on morsels can also find value.
Despite the tough situation the Nuggets are in, there is still value in betting on them. With key players like Porter and Murray out for most, if not all, of the season, it’s uncertain how their offensive production will fare from game to game. This unpredictability makes betting the over against any opponent intriguing. Throughout this season, it has been difficult to accurately predict the Nuggets’ total scores, especially in recent times. Surprisingly, despite missing Jokic, Murray, and Porter at times, the Nuggets have hit the over in 7 out of their last 10 games. This is largely due to low totals and their poor defense. As these trends persist, there remains value in considering the totals of Nuggets games.
Additionally, the presence of players such as Jeff Green and Vlatko Cancar can greatly enhance prop bets on a game-to-game basis. Cancar, who has recently secured a starting position as the Nuggets’ wing player, has demonstrated his ability to both score and contribute on the field.
During Jokic’s absence, the Nuggets are likely to heavily rely on Barton, Aaron Gordon, and Monte Morris, who may receive the most playing time. Betting on their performance, particularly Barton and Morris, has proven to be a smart choice. While Morris’ impact varies from game to game, he can be counted on to contribute offensively. It is advisable to monitor Morris’ points and assist totals for potential value, similar to Barton.
Denver & , a very lengthy road trip
The Nuggets, currently plagued by injuries, find themselves embarking on a challenging 13-day road trip consisting of seven games. Although this comes at an unfavorable time for the team, who are currently enduring a six-game losing streak, it presents intriguing opportunities for NBA bettors.
The Nuggets’ road record is currently 2-6, and their overall performance on the road this season stands at 2-6-2. Unfortunately, the absence of Murray, Porter, and Dozier greatly reduces the likelihood of confidently betting on the Nuggets’ moneyline. As a result, bettors seeking a favorable value for Denver’s opponents on the line have an advantage. The team has encountered difficulties in all areas of the game while playing away from their home court in the Mile High City.
On the other hand, the Nuggets’ opponents who have strong home bases or possess a multitude of explosive offensive perimeter players will have a significant advantage when utilizing the spread. Those who wish to place bets on the Nuggets may find assurance by betting on higher scores in such games and going against Denver. However, the presence of Jokic in the team adds complexity to this situation, as he is currently the reigning MVP for a good reason.
Knicks vs. Nuggets
When the Nuggets go head-to-head with the New York Knicks on Saturday night, Jokic’s presence on the court could make a significant difference for Denver.
Mitchell Robinson consistently puts Jokic on the foul line due to his exceptional defensive skills. However, despite Robinson’s growth as an all-around defender, Jokic should have no difficulty scoring. Moreover, Jokic is well-rested and undoubtedly eager to return to the court, lifting the spirits of the struggling Nuggets. His determination will undoubtedly fuel his performance.
Julius Randle presents an interesting challenge. If Denver opts to assign Gordon to defend J. Barrett, it would require significant effort. However, it is more likely that Denver will begin the game with Jeff Green guarding Randle. This could potentially give Randle an advantage and provide an opportunity for bettors interested in property betting.
