Cameron Johnson (ankle) doubtful Monday vs. GSW

With Cameron Johnson (ankle) sidelined, Bryce Hopkins got the starting nod in his place. However, he only played 19 minutes to Brazile’s 28, which led all reserves. Brazile wasn’t able to get much offense going in his debut, but he was able to knock down some big shots in this game, which included seven of Denver’s 15 points in overtime. The second-round pick is quickly looking like one of the better value picks from the summer, and he should be an important piece for Denver this season, though fantasy managers should exercise caution before adding the rookie. This level of production may not continue consistently. However, he absolutely deserves praise for his immediate production.

The Nuggets are down two rotation wings for Saturday’s game, as Cameron Johnson (ankle) and Alpha Diallo (wrist) will not play. Hopkins gets the starting nod, keeping DeMar DeRozan in the sixth-man role. The other four starters are unchanged.

The Nuggets aren’t going to take any chances with Jones, who’s working his way back from a strained hamstring. Rookie Trevon Brazile played 18 minutes off the bench in his debut and grabbed 12 rebounds. He’s likely to take on a similar role as Aaron Gordon’s backup on Saturday.

Johnson sprained his right ankle during the second quarter of Thursday’s loss to the Thunder and did not return. Alpha Diallo started the third quarter, but he’s questionable for Saturday’s game. If Diallo can’t play, the Nuggets may turn to DeMar DeRozan from the start.

In his official NBA debut, Brazile struggled from the field, missing all four of his three-point attempts. However, the second-round pick out of Arkansas was effective on the glass, leading the Nuggets with 12 rebounds. Brazile played 18 minutes, partly because Spencer Jones (hamstring) didn’t play. However, despite the perimeter shooting struggles, the rookie’s rebounding output was encouraging.

Johnson played 11 minutes in Thursday’s opener before a right ankle injury ended his night just before halftime. Officially, the veteran wing was questionable for the second half, but he never returned. Alpha Diallo (4/2/3/1) started the second half and played 22 minutes. If Nuggets head coach David Adelman prefers to keep DeMar DeRozan in the sixth man role, Diallo could start Saturday’s game against the Pelicans if Johnson can’t play.

Johnson injured his right ankle during the first half of Thursday’s season opener and did not start the third quarter. Alpha Diallo started the period in Johnson’s place. If Johnson doesn’t return, Diallo and DeMar DeRozan stand to gain the most in playing time.

Jones, who strained his left hamstring early in training camp, is also navigating a right hamstring injury. His absence may give fellow reserve Trevon Brazile a few minutes, but it is unlikely to significantly affect fantasy basketball.

Due to a strained left hamstring, Jones did not play at all during the preseason. He’s on the injury report for Denver’s season opener due to bilateral hamstring injury management, so his right hamstring is also a concern. If Jones can’t play, the Nuggets may have to rely on rookie Trevon Brazile a little more, with the second-round pick coming off a productive preseason.

Jones strained his left hamstring early in training camp and did not play in any of the Nuggets’ preseason games. He’s made positive strides in his recovery, most recently doing some scrimmaging during Sunday’s practice. Following the session, Jones said that he expects to be available for Sunday’s opener. If Jones plays, there may be fewer minutes available to rookie Trevon Brazile, who played well in the Nuggets’ final preseason games.