Adelman Considers New Lineups Amid Nuggets’ Injuries

The Denver Nuggets are struggling recently, dropping three of their last five games, highlighting the need for their injured players to return. Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cam Johnson are all sidelined, leaving three-time MVP Nikola Jokic to carry the team. With their key starters out, head coach David Adelman is experimenting with different lineup combinations to find a workable rotation. Adelman discussed his plans following the Nuggets’ loss to the Orlando Magic, saying, “I think anything is on the table. I always believe that you’ve got to give people more than a few games to see if they can find some cohesion. Julian [Strawther] had a good night offensively, which is good to see. I’m going to try to find the best combination possible going forward, and everybody’s got an opportunity to play that’s on this roster for us to try to win games on the trip until we can get ourselves back to somewhat full”. The team’s bench has been particularly affected, as moving three usual reserve players into the starting lineup has weakened the second unit. Despite strong offseason additions that gave the Nuggets one of the league’s best benches, the current injuries have caused setbacks. In their most recent game, the second unit of Jalen Pickett, Bruce Brown, Julian Strawther, and Jonas Valanciunas struggled, with Strawther contributing 13 points while the others combined for just six.

Options beyond the main rotation are limited. Players like Hunter Tyson, DaRon Holmes II, Zeke Nnaji, or two-way guard Curtis Jones may see more minutes. Some fans hope Holmes receives more opportunities, and Jones could provide a short-term spark, but neither is likely to dramatically change the team’s fortunes. Adelman’s adjustments during the Nuggets’ seven-game road trip will be closely watched, and there is a possibility that Gordon and Braun may return during the stretch.