NBA Player News

Nuggets head coach David Adelman told reporters Thursday that the hope is that Johnson (knee) is cleared to return before the All-Star break in mid-February, Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports.

Johnson has been sidelined by a bone bruise in his right knee since Dec. 23, but the recent update indicates that the seventh-year pro could be cleared to return by early February. He started in each of his 28 outings prior to the injury, and his return would likely result in Jalen Pickett or Spencer Jones reverting to a bench role. Johnson is averaging 11.7 points per game in his first season with the Nuggets, which is his lowest scoring output since the 2020-21 season as a member of the Suns (9.6 points per game across 60 regular-season games).

The Nuggets are hopeful Braun (ankle) can return before the All-Star break, Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports.

The team hasn't disclosed much of a timetable for Braun's return, so this latest update at least provides some perspective on a potential target date. The Kansas product hasn't take the floor since Jan. 9 after suffering a left ankle sprain and has already been downgraded to out for Thursday's matchup against the Nets.

Williams (ankle) is available to play Thursday versus the Hornets.

Williams tweaked his ankle during Wednesday's loss to the Timberwolves, but he was able to play through it, and he'll continue to do so Thursday evening. Williams is averaging 12.5 points and 3.7 assists per game this season.

Kawamura (oblique) is available for Thursday's game against Miami.

Kawamura has put an oblique injury behind him and will be available off the bench if called upon Thursday night. However, he's yet to appear in an NBA game so far this season and should continue to see the majority of his playing time in the G League.

Miller (ankle) has been cleared to play Thursday against the Mavericks.

As anticipated, Miller has received the green light to take the court for Thursday's clash. He's put up 20 or more points in eight straight games and is averaging 24.8 points on 53.9 percent shooting from the field over that stretch.

Williams (illness) is questionable to face the Nets on Friday.

Williams missed Wednesday's loss to the Warriors with an illness, and now he's in danger of sitting out his second straight game. We'll have a better idea of Williams' status based on his activity level at shootaround, but if he is forced to spend another game on the sidelines, his minutes would be split up between Brice Sensabaugh and Walter Clayton.

Love is questionable for Friday's game against the Nets due to an illness.

Love sat out Wednesday's loss to the Warriors for rest purposes, but he's appearing on the injury report with a different designation for Friday's contest. More clarity on Love's availability should surface closer to the 9:30 p.m. ET tipoff.

Nurkic (illness) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Nets.

Nurkic is recovering from an illness that prevented him from playing against the Clippers on Tuesday, though he returned against the Warriors on Wednesday and finished with 11 points (4-7 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, five assists and one steal over 23 minutes. His playing time Wednesday was his lowest since Dec. 20 against the Magic (21 minutes), so he could be on a minutes restriction if available for Friday's contest, which would mean more minutes being available for Kyle Filipowski and Kevin Love (rest).

Markkanen won't play Friday against Brooklyn due to rest purposes.

Markkanen will receive a scheduled night off after appearing in two straight games for the Jazz. Kyle Filipowski figures to be in line for the start at power forward in Markkanen's absence, while Kyle Anderson and Taylor Hendricks could be in line for some extra looks off the bench.

Leonard (knee) is questionable for Friday's game in Denver, Joey Linn of SI.com reports.

Leonard has been questionable for the past three games, but he has continued to play through a knee issue. However, if Leonard needs to miss Friday's game, that would create more opportunity for Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller.