Bruce

Brown

Jokić’s injury is devastating for fantasy managers, as the No. 1 player in fantasy hoops was on an incredible tear. The silver lining is that he avoided a more serious injury, but his absence will cause a monumental hole in Denver’s lineup. Jonas Valančiūnas should get the nod as starting center, but he won’t be able to replicate Joker’s elite playmaking abilities. Jamal Murray should pick up the slack as a facilitator and scorer, while guys like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown should be leaned on more as well. All three of Valančiūnas, THJ and Brown are worth picking up, though it’s still unclear what Denver will look like without its three-time MVP.

Johnson hyperextended his right knee during Tuesday’s loss to the Mavericks and was diagnosed with a bone bruise. With Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon still out, the Nuggets will be down three starters for the foreseeable future. Johnson’s absence opens the door for Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. to step up. While the latter is mainly a three-point specialist, the former can be more useful to fantasy managers needing production across the board.

Johnson’s injury will open up additional playing time for the likes of Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. Brown and THJ are both worth adding off the waiver wire, though Brown offers more across-the-board production compared to Hardaway Jr.'s skillset as a three-point specialist.

Watson is set to return after missing the last two games with a right trunk contusion. Tim Hardaway Jr. will return to the bench with Watson back and Bruce Brown’s opportunities could decrease as well.

Watson has missed the last two games with a right trunk contusion. Tim Hardaway Jr. was his most recent replacement in the starting lineup, but Bruce Brown’s opportunities have also increased with Watson sidelined. For managers seeking production across multiple categories, Brown is the better streaming choice if Watson can’t play.

Saturday’s game was the second for Denver since losing Peyton Watson to an injury suffered during Monday’s win over the Rockets. While Bruce Brown received the starting nod on Thursday, it was Hardaway’s turn to fill the void on Saturday. The veteran guard did not offer much value outside of two three-pointers. As for Brown, he finished with 12 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, two steals and one blocked shot in 28 minutes off the bench. While Hardaway may be able to do more as a scorer, Brown is better equipped to fill the entire stat line.

While Bruce Brown moved into the starting lineup for Thursday’s win over the Magic to account for Peyton Watson’s absence, he will not retain that role on Saturday. Hardaway, who offers a higher ceiling as a scorer, moves into the starting lineup. Brown will still get quality minutes off the bench, but his value takes a hit with the lineup change.

Watson missed Thursday’s game, which allowed Bruce Brown to get the starting nod. He contributed 11 points in 34 minutes, but he’ll likely be pushed back to the bench if Watson is able to return.

Already playing without Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets won’t have Peyton Watson for Thursday’s game. However, while Tim Hardaway Jr. played 39 minutes off the bench on Monday, it will be Brown who fills the void in the starting lineup against the Magic. Hardaway should still play plenty, but his fantasy value won’t receive the same boost that it would have if he were starting.

Watson suffered a right trunk contusion during the first quarter of Monday’s game, limping back to the locker room to receive further treatment. With Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon already out, the Nuggets will be even more shorthanded if Watson has to remain out. Look for Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown to figure more prominently in the rotation.