Bryce

Hopkins

Johnson has logged only 11 minutes this season after getting injured in the opener, but he’s on track to return against his former team. He started that contest, but it’s unknown if he’ll rejoin the first unit against Phoenix. Bryce Hopkins started two games, and Trevon Brazile started one in Johnson’s absence.

Johnson has missed Denver’s last three games and could end up missing a fourth. Bryce Hopkins had been starting in his place, but it was Trevon Brazile that got the nod in their last game. Brazile should be worth streaming if he gets another start.

Brazile has gotten off to a good start in his rookie season, and he’s been rewarded with a spot in Wednesday’s starting lineup. He replaces fellow rookie Bryce Hopkins, who started Denver’s last two games.

Johnson has missed Denver’s last two games and will likely miss a third. If he remains out, Bryce Hopkins should get another start.

Monday’s start was the second in as many games for Hopkins, who continues to fill in for the injured Cameron Johnson (ankle). Unlike Saturday’s win over the Pelicans, when he offered limited production, the rookie was more aggressive on offense. The result was Hopkins’ first double-figure scoring night as an NBA player. He should remain a starter until Johnson is healthy enough to play.

Johnson was initially listed as doubtful, so his official absence isn’t surprising. Bryce Hopkins will likely get another start, though he only played 19 minutes and was relatively ineffective. Trevon Brazile saw more minutes and should be a better streaming choice for fantasy managers.

Johnson did not play in Saturday’s win over the Pelicans, and he’ll likely miss another game on Monday. With Alpha Diallo (wrist) also unavailable, the Nuggets started Bryce Hopkins against New Orleans. Hopkins played just 19 minutes, while fellow rookie Trevon Brazile was far more effective off the bench. Brazile is the better option for managers looking for a streamer on Monday’s slate.

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 49th overall pick in the 2026 draft, Hopkins had a productive Summer League run in Las Vegas. The former St. John’s standout has been rewarded with a two-way deal, and there could be times during the season when he’s called upon to provide added depth on the wing. While worthy of a look in dynasty leagues, there’s no need to consider Hopkins in redraft formats during draft season.

Hopkins, whose contract status for next season has not been finalized, has played well throughout the Nuggets’ time in Las Vegas. The former St. John’s forward shot 3-of-6 from beyond the arc on Thursday and was a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Depending on what happens with Peyton Watson, who is a restricted free agent, Hopkins’ fantasy ceiling as a rookie will be limited. That said, he has the experience and skill set needed to contribute immediately if called upon.