The Nuggets begin NBA Cup play Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, but they might be without the reigning MVP.
Nikola Jokic was downgraded to questionable due to personal reasons. Without speculating on the nature of the potential absence, missing Jokic for the first game, a near-gimme vs. the Pelicans who are missing four of their top six players would be devastating for Denver’s chances of reaching Vegas for the knockout rounds.
We’ll see whether Jokic is available for Friday’s game. In the meantime, here’s what Swipa and Ryan said on the latest episode of Locked on Nuggets.
The NBA Cup: Excitement and Expectations
Swiper:
“The NBA has worked very hard to push this brand-new product… They were looking at the Champions League across the pond, and they were like, ‘You know what? We need some of that.’”
Ryan Blackburn:
“If the Nuggets have the best record and the best point differential out of that group, then they will advance to Las Vegas… and try to claim an NBA Cup.”
Nuggets’ Road Ahead: Pelicans and Beyond
Swiper:
“This should be a real opportunity to continue this win streak… The Denver Nuggets, per FanDuel… are currently a minus 8.5 favorite, and it could go up.”
Ryan Blackburn:
“Denver’s got to be focused. They have to put their pedal to the metal, and hopefully with four days off, they’re as rested as they can be.”
Michael Malone’s Legacy in Denver
Swiper:
“He has been, for me, the best coach in franchise history. He’s delivered a title… developed Joker, Jamal, Michael Porter Jr.… I mean, you name it.”
Ryan Blackburn:
“When you’re on the same team for ten years and he has been great while he has been here… Michael Malone is as synonymous with this era of Nuggets basketball as anybody not named Jokic.”
Around the League: NBA Standouts
Swiper:
“Giannis had 59 in overtime… Victor Wembanyama, 50 points on 8 of 16 from three… The NBA is in a good place.”
Ryan Blackburn:
“Shaden Sharpe, one of the best putbacks you’ll see all year… It’s been really impressive, man. I think the NBA is in a good place.”
A Winning Culture Under Malone
Ryan Blackburn:
“The Nuggets have adopted his personality… They never say die. They don’t make excuses. They put their heads down and work.”
Swiper:
“Malone continues to prove proof of concept. Every year… You’re winning over and above the amount of games you have.”
