Christian

Braun

Sunday’s game will be the ninth that Braun has missed as he continues to work his way from a sprained left ankle initially suffered in mid-November. With Jamal Murray also out, the Nuggets started Julian Strawther in Friday’s win over the Bucks. Murray is listed as questionable for Sunday; if he can play, Strawther will head to the bench.

The Nuggets’ starting unit on Friday features many changes. With Nikola Jokic, Peyton Watson, Christian Braun and Jamal Murray all out with injuries, several reserves have been elevated to the starting lineup. The unusual combination of players will look to overpower the Bucks, put together a second straight victory, and remain near the top of the Western Conference standings.

Murray is dealing with right hamstring inflammation and left hip inflammation. With Christian Braun (ankle) out, Denver’s backcourt could be shorthanded if Murray is ultimately sidelined. Jalen Pickett and Bruce Brown could be in line for additional playing time against Milwaukee.

Two nights removed from being limited to 11 points in a blowout loss to the Hornets, Watson was more productive against the Lakers. The fourth-year forward recorded a complete stat line in his 38 minutes, and he has offered consistently reliable value over the past month. Rostered in 43 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Watson has been a sixth-round player in eight-cat formats over the past month. He’s worth rostering until Christian Braun (ankle) and Cameron Johnson (knee) return from their injuries.

This will be a sixth straight absence for Braun, and as of Friday, he was still limited to non-contact work. Braun could remain sidelined for a while longer, which means Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones should both remain in the starting unit for now.

After missing 23 games with a Grade 2 left ankle sprain, Braun played three games before heading back to the sidelines. He’s missed the last three games, and it’s likely going to be a little while before he’s back on the court. During Friday’s practice, Braun was limited to non-contact work. Following the session, Nuggets head coach David Adelman said the team will be patient with Braun’s return. The absence of Braun and Cameron Johnson (knee) is all the more reason to add Peyton Watson if he’s available.

Braun will miss a second straight game due to a sprained left ankle, which is the same one that sidelined him for nearly seven weeks earlier this season. Spencer Jones remained in the starting lineup for Sunday’s win over the Bucks, playing 25 minutes. Braun’s absence also frees up additional opportunities for Tim Hardaway Jr. off the bench.

Braun was initially probable for Sunday’s game, which makes the status downgrade somewhat surprising. His absence will likely result in Bruce Brown returning to the starting lineup. While he hasn’t as impactful in fantasy basketball as he was in his first stint with the Nuggets, Brown is worth streaming in this spot.

Braun is back on the injury report, but the probable tag suggests that he’ll be able to play. However, his minutes may be managed by the Nuggets’ coaching staff due to the time missed with a sprained ankle.

Murray and Braun are back after sitting out Monday’s win over the 76ers. Their returns mean that Bruce Brown and Jalen Pickett will come off the bench, limiting their respective fantasy value. Also, while Aaron Gordon is available, he will once again come off the bench, leaving Jones with the starters.