Bruce

Brown

Gordon’s status doesn’t bode well for his availability in Game 3. If AG is unable to go, Bruce Brown could see some additional run off the bench in a crucial Game 3.

If available on Thursday, the Nuggets could benefit from a performance that more closely resembles the 17/8/3 line in Game 1 than the 8/7/4 line that Gordon logged in Game 2, as they look to respond from a loss. If unavailable, Bruce Brown could see extended minutes off the bench.

Despite early foul trouble, Gordon finished Game 1 with a solid stat line. And his time on the bench during the second quarter factored into the Nuggets taking home the victory. During that period, Denver received notable contributions from Tim Hardaway Jr. (7/3/1/1/1 with one three-pointer) and Bruce Brown (8/7/3/5 with one three-pointer), while Jamal Murray scored eight of his game-high 30 points. Gordon and the Nuggets will look to defend home court in Game 2 on Monday.

While the Thunder will be without four of their usual starters, the Nuggets are without all five of theirs. Hardaway and Brown may be the safest options for fantasy managers in active leagues, but all five can offer value in their respective roles given Denver’s limited depth.

Braun will join the rest of the Denver starters as out for this game. Bruce Brown and Julian Strawther should both have a chance to start and take on extra minutes for the shorthanded Nuggets.

Braun and the rest of Denver’s starting five will sit out Friday’s game. His absence should result in a spot start for Bruce Brown, who is worth rostering in active fantasy leagues due to Denver’s lack of bodies.

With the Thunder sitting out most of their players, the Nuggets could follow suit on Friday. Denver still has work to do to lock up the No. 3 seed in the West, however, as they lead the Lakers by one game. If Braun doesn’t play, Bruce Brown would take on a more prominent role, possibly as a starter.

Whether Gordon plays on Friday is to be determined. In an injury-filled season for the veteran forward, he’s averaging 16.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. If available, he’ll slot into the starting unit and provide his usual value on both ends of the floor. However, Bruce Brown could see an increase in minutes should Gordon sit out Friday’s contest.

Brown will be available after initially being listed as probable for this game. He exited early on Saturday, but that won’t keep him sidelined for this one. He’ll play his typical reserve role, which has been too limited for him to make much of a fantasy impact.

Brown exited Saturday’s overtime win over the Spurs during the third quarter due to a sprained left ankle. The probable tag is a positive sign regarding his availability for Monday. If Brown can’t play, more minutes would be available for fellow reserve Julian Strawther.