After their most productive day in a non-overtime game this season, the Denver Nuggets are aiming to secure consecutive victories for the first time in a month when they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.
The Nuggets, following a stretch of seven losses in 11 games—including one of their two setbacks against the Clippers this season—exploded offensively in a 141-111 road victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday. Nikola Jokic led the charge with 48 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists.
Jokic, with three MVP awards in the past four seasons, is making a strong case for another. He currently leads the NBA in rebounds at 13.6 per game and is second in points (32.3) and assists (10.2). He has scored 104 points over the past two games, although his 56-point effort on Saturday came in a loss to the struggling Washington Wizards.
Jokic’s offensive surge coincides with a hamstring injury to Jamal Murray, who missed the past two games and is expected to be listed as questionable for Friday’s game. Dario Saric is also anticipated to return after being inactive for the past two games due to an ankle injury.
In his first season with the Nuggets, former Clippers guard Russell Westbrook has averaged 6.4 assists per game. With Murray sidelined, he has stepped up, averaging 11.5 assists over the past two games.
For the Clippers, Norman Powell has averaged 32.5 points in their two victories over the Nuggets and leads Los Angeles with 23.6 points per game this season.
While Powell has recently returned from a hamstring injury, James Harden (groin) missed Sunday’s 117-106 home loss to the Atlanta Hawks, as did Terance Mann (finger). Kawhi Leonard (knee) has not played this season but has finally returned to practice as he nears his season debut.
Head coach Tyronn Lue’s goal has been to hold things together until Leonard’s return, and a 14-11 record through the first two months suggests they have managed to do just that.
Leonard won’t travel with the team for Friday’s game, but his return to practice has been impactful.
Instead of playing passively until Leonard returns, the Clippers have ramped up their defense, allowing just 107.4 points per game—fifth-best in the NBA.
The 35-year-old Harden has elevated his game for the Clippers, averaging 21.6 points, his highest since the 2021-22 season. He has also averaged 8.5 assists and 6.8 rebounds while playing in 24 of 25 games.
