Cameron

Johnson

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.

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.

Johnson’s preseason ended with just over six minutes remaining in the third quarter after being assessed a Flagrant 2 foul for elbowing Lakers guard Austin Reaves in the chin. Both teams seemed shocked by the call, but the foul won’t carry over into the regular season from a punishment standpoint. Johnson’s first season in Denver was a struggle in terms of production and staying healthy, which has pushed his ADP outside the first 100 picks in Yahoo leagues.

While Johnson’s production was expected to take a hit after his move to Denver, his debut season in the Mile High City was disappointing. In addition to the perimeter shooting struggles, availability was once again an issue for the veteran forward. Johnson has played 58 games or fewer in each of his last four seasons, another reason why he’s slipped down draft boards. While capable of offering top-100 value, fantasy managers can’t use that early of a pick on Johnson, given the recent history.

Johnson rose to the occasion on Thursday, logging one of his best performances of the season. Despite the loss, he drained half of his 10 three-point attempts, nearly pulled down double-digit rebounds, and finished as one of Denver’s most reliable scoring options on the evening. Johnson came into the season with some expectations to serve as the missing piece for the Nuggets, who acquired him via trade during the offseason. His production fluctuated throughout the season, and he ultimately averaged just 12.2 points overall, his lowest since his sophomore season. A more effective season and better fantasy production should be expected in Year 2 with the Nuggets next season.

Murray, Braun and Johnson will remain out for Sunday’s regular-season finale. Tyus Jones, Bruce Brown and Julian Strawther started Friday’s win over the Thunder, and all should get another start on Sunday. For those in active leagues who need scoring, Strawther may be the best option to slot into fantasy lineups.

Not only will Johnson sit out Friday’s game, but the entire starting five will (Oklahoma City is sitting four of its starters). Tim Hardaway Jr. should have the brightest green light possible on Friday due to the Nuggets’ lack of depth.

Absent from the initial report released by the Nuggets, Johnson is now questionable for injury management reasons. If he does not play against the Thunder, Tim Hardaway Jr. stands to benefit the most among the available reserves.

Johnson was one of several Nuggets players to produce on the offensive end against the Grizzlies. Specifically, he was one of eight to finish with double-digit points, utilizing efficient shooting from beyond the arc and success inside the three-point line to conclude as the team’s second-leading scorer. After a slow start to the season regarding three-point shooting, Johnson has really picked it up and turned in an efficient season. His scoring uptick in April could prove to be valuable with the playoffs just around the corner.