Tim

Hardaway

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.

Despite early foul trouble, Gordon finished Game 1 with a solid stat line. And his time on the bench during the second quarter factored into the Nuggets taking home the victory. During that period, Denver received notable contributions from Tim Hardaway Jr. (7/3/1/1/1 with one three-pointer) and Bruce Brown (8/7/3/5 with one three-pointer), while Jamal Murray scored eight of his game-high 30 points. Gordon and the Nuggets will look to defend home court in Game 2 on Monday.

Gordon and Hardaway getting additional recovery time ahead of the playoffs is far more impactful on the Nuggets’ rotation than Jones’ continued absence with a strained hamstring. David Roddy, who scored 21 points off the bench in Friday’s win over the Thunder, should once again play extended minutes, potentially as a starter to fill the void left by Hardaway.

While the Thunder will be without four of their usual starters, the Nuggets are without all five of theirs. Hardaway and Brown may be the safest options for fantasy managers in active leagues, but all five can offer value in their respective roles given Denver’s limited depth.

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.

Hardaway was a full participant in Friday’s practice and is now good to go. He’ll provide production off the bench and is a worthwhile option for deep-league managers who need three-pointers.

THJ - who is dealing with knee soreness - went through a full practice and is officially probable for Saturday’s matchup with the Spurs. Jones has a hamstring strain, and it’s unclear if he’ll be available to take on San Antonio. Jones’ status should be clearer closer to Saturday’s tip-off.

Denver received 43 points from its bench on Sunday, with Hardaway and Bruce Brown (15 points, one rebound, two steals and three three-pointers) leading the way. THJ has made at least four three-pointers in three of his last four games, providing consistent production off the bench. He remains a player most valuable to managers needing points and three-pointers, but the two steals on Sunday were a nice bonus.

THJ continues to be a streaky producer, and this was one of his good night. After scoring just six points on Sunday, he bounced back with a more productive outing. Two games ago, he scored 23 points with seven triples. The inconsistency makes him a difficult player to roster, but he is certainly capable of making a big contribution when his shot is falling.