Denver

Nuggets

Murray struggled on Thursday on both ends of the floor. On offense, the length of Jaden McDaniels sure had an impact, as the veteran point guard had more missed shots than total points. He was also attacked as a one-on-one defender repeatedly down the stretch, ultimately allowing some key Minnesota baskets to close the game. While Murray had a tough time finding his rhythm throughout the series, he had a phenomenal regular season, averaging 25.4 points, 7.1 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.3 three-pointers, which were all career bests. He turned in one of his better fantasy seasons and should be able to perform at a high level again next season.

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.

Jokić logged another impressive stat line in Thursday’s loss, impacting the game as a scorer, facilitator, and rebounder. He shot the ball efficiently overall despite not finding his touch from beyond the arc. Yet, his contributions weren’t enough to keep Denver from another early playoff exit. The Nuggets have not been back to the Western Conference Finals since their championship-winning 2021-22 season. Regardless of what roster construction occurs over the offseason, Jokić should be back and will have a chance to finish as one of the best fantasy players.

For the third time in this series, the Nuggets will be without their starting power forward. The versatile two-way forward has struggled with injuries throughout his 12th NBA season, and has played in only three of the five playoff games so far, averaging 11.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Without Gordon, Spencer Jones should fill in again as the fifth starter. Jones scored 20 points and made four three-pointers in Denver’s Game 5 victory.

Gordon did not play in Denver’s Game 5 victory on Monday, resulting in a move into the starting lineup for Spencer Jones. Shooting 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, Jones tallied 20 points, three steals and three blocked shots to help the Nuggets keep their season alive. He’ll get another start if Gordon remains out for another game.

Due to a strained right hamstring, Watson has not appeared in a game since April 1. That will remain the case for Game 6, resulting in more minutes for fellow reserves Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown.

Jones averaged just 5.5 points during the regular season and was yet to make his mark on these playoffs. In Games 3 and 4, he had six points in 53 minutes combined. With Aaron Gordon (calf) out for Game 5, Jones moved into the starting lineup and had 20 points in 37 minutes. Regardless of Gordon’s status, if Jones can somehow sustain this level of play, it would be a huge development for the Nuggets.

Murray and the Nuggets lost the second half of Game 4 by 20 points even with the Timberwolves missing multiple starters. Denver was able to turn the page in Game 5. Murray had 24 points, seven assists and four steals in the win. The Nuggets will have to win Game 6 on the road to keep their season alive on Thursday.

With their backs against the wall facing elimination at home in Game 5, the Nuggets finally punched back in this series. Jokić bounced back after a rough second half in Game 4 to record a triple-double with 27 points as Denver took Game 5 by 12 points. Jokić and the Nuggets will have their work cut out for them on the road in Game 6 on Thursday.

Gordon played 23 minutes in Saturday’s Game 4 loss to the Timberwolves before heading to the locker room in the third quarter. Despite the Nuggets saying he was available, Gordon didn’t return to the court. Now he’s been ruled out for Game 5. Expect Spencer Jones to start in his place.