Nuggets’ Christian Braun Likely to Play Amid Injury Concerns

Denver, Colorado — Christian Braun is nursing a left foot strain but remains probable to participate in the Denver Nuggets’ matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 1, 2025, at Ball Arena. This game is critical as both teams vie for favorable playoff positions in the Western Conference.

The Nuggets have experienced ups and downs this season, with Braun contributing significantly. He has played 73 games, averaging 15.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. His injury comes as a recurrence of foot issues that have affected him since March, yet Braun’s resilience has allowed him to miss only two games this season.

The Nuggets hold a winning record of 45-28 in games that Braun has played, illustrating his impact on the team. Notably, the Nuggets were victorious in both games he missed, underscoring the depth of their roster. If Braun’s minutes are limited due to his injury, adjustments may fall on fellow players Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.

Jokic, also on the injury report with a left ankle impingement, was previously considered questionable but has since been confirmed to play. In his exceptional season, Jokic averages a triple-double with 29.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, positioning himself for another All-NBA Team selection.

Murray, on the other hand, is ruled out for the game due to right hamstring tightness, adding to Denver’s injury woes. Power forward Aaron Gordon is also in question with an illness and a sore calf, leaving the Nuggets with a shorter lineup than usual as they head into this key contest.

The Timberwolves, positioned as the seventh seed in the Western Conference, (43-32), are looking to secure their playoff berth without entering the Play-In Tournament. They recently celebrated a victory against the Detroit Pistons, and are eager to continue their momentum against Denver. Minnesota will be missing key players Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid, who are serving one-game suspensions.

The matchup will also be marked by the availability status of Timberwolves swingman Terrence Shannon Jr., who is dealing with a strained right groin. The clash is critical, with the Nuggets on shaky ground as the third seed and the Timberwolves eager to improve their standings.

Fans can catch the game, set to tip-off at 9 p.m. CT, on TNT. As both teams look to solidify their playoff standings, this game promises to be a crucial showdown in the crowded Western Conference.