Christian

Braun

After scoring 12 points in Denver’s Game 1 victory on Saturday, Braun was more productive in Game 2. However, one of the main talking points from Monday’s defeat will be his missed free throw with the Nuggets trailing by two with 19 seconds remaining. Braun would hit the second to pull Denver to within one, but having to foul allowed Minnesota to extend his lead to three. Also, he’s one of the players the Nuggets will need to step up defensively, as they struggled on that end of the floor for most of the regular season and for parts of Game 2.

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.

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.

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.

Braun’s points tally has increased in each of his last four games. Saturday’s effort was his first of 20 points or more since March 18, when the Nuggets’ guard dropped 26 in a loss to the Grizzlies. Braun did more than score against the Spurs, recording a complete stat line in 39 minutes of play. These are the kind of all-around performances that Denver will need from Braun moving forward, even if he doesn’t surpass 20 points consistently.

Like many other Nuggets starters, Braun had a productive evening against the Jazz. He logged 31 minutes and shot the ball efficiently, produced on the glass, and also made contributions as a passer. While Wednesday’s final line wasn’t a significant one, Braun was able to land his second consecutive double-digit scoring performance. His streak could extend to three games on Saturday against the Spurs.

Braun logged his highest scoring performance of the season on Wednesday, finishing with 10 or more made field goals for the first time. His scoring came mostly from inside the arc, although a couple of made three-pointers helped him reach his new season-high. Yet, the versatile wing did more than just score; he was one of Denver’s top rebounders against Memphis, produced one of his highest assist totals, and also set a new season-high in steals. Braun’s balanced production was not rewarded with a win. However, his production may help some fantasy managers during the fantasy playoffs.

This game was a blowout from the beginning, but Braun was still able to have a strong performance. He was incredibly efficient, and he had one of his highest-scoring outings of the year. Braun has been far more productive over the past month than he had been previously, but it is still nowhere near what he did last year. Still, he is starting to pick things up and could end up as an important streaming option down the stretch of this season.

After totaling 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting in his prior two appearances, Braun needed a night like Wednesday. The 19 points were the most he’s had in a game since February 27, when the Nuggets’ wing dropped 23 in a loss to the Thunder. Since the All-Star break, Braun sits just inside the top-150 in category league value. His status as a starter makes him a player worth holding onto, but the chances of Braun being a difference-maker during the playoff weeks are slim.

Between injuries and lackluster production when available, this season has been a letdown for those who selected Braun in drafts. However, he had a good night against the Thunder, shooting 5-of-8 from inside the arc. The 23 points represent a new season-high for Braun, who recorded his fourth 20-point game. He’s still rostered in 72 percent of Yahoo! leagues, which is more about Braun’s status as a starter than his production. Hopefully, Friday’s performance serves as a catalyst for the Nuggets’ guard.