Nuggets Coach Faces Tough Starting Lineup Decision Ahead of Return

DENVER, Colo. — Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone returns from vacation this week tasked with a challenging decision: Who will start in Thursday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets at 7 p.m. MT?

After a week-long break, the Nuggets (36-19) are set to return to the court following an impressive eight-game win streak before the All-Star break. They will also likely welcome back Russell Westbrook, who missed the last seven games due to a hamstring injury.

“You really don’t think I’m gonna answer that question right now, do you?” Malone joked during practice on Wednesday at Ball Arena.

In Westbrook’s absence, Christian Braun has stepped up significantly, averaging 19.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.6 steals, shooting an impressive 59% from the field. This performance has left Malone with a dilemma on who to include in the starting lineup alongside All-Stars Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon.

“It’s great to have options,” Malone said. “We have a healthy team, and obviously, Russell Westbrook’s done great things for us. Christian Braun… is playing just incredible basketball. So, I’m really fortunate to have a tough decision to make where you have quality players that have really impacted winning.”

Braun, 23, was the Nuggets’ starting two-guard on opening night but has since faced competition for his spot. Westbrook was signed to bolster the bench, following the departures of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Reggie Jackson, and Justin Holiday.

In his 27 starts this season, Westbrook has averaged 14.2 points, 7.0 assists, and 6.2 rebounds, contributing significantly to Denver’s success with a 19-8 record in those games.

After Gordon made his return on Jan. 12 from a calf injury, Malone opted to keep Westbrook in the starting lineup over Braun, a choice he noted was not permanent but rather experimental. However, Westbrook’s untimely injury in Philadelphia put Braun back in the starting spotlight.

“As we approach tomorrow night’s game and this final stretch, we’ll do what we think is best in that moment,” Malone explained. “And it could change, I mean, like we’ve seen it change throughout the season.”

Porter, who missed the last three games before the break due to his own hamstring injury, returned to practice Wednesday and is probable for Thursday’s game. Both Gordon and Murray are also listed as probable after managings their respective injuries.

Despite the overwhelming talent at his disposal, Malone appreciates the challenge of making lineup choices. “It’s never about one player. It’s about what’s best for our team,” he said.

The only player absent from practice was Peyton Watson, hobbled by a right knee sprain, while Vlatko Cancar continues his recovery from knee surgery. Even rookie DaRon Holmes II participated in parts of practice, showing signs of progress from his Achilles injury, though Malone confirmed it’s unlikely Holmes will play this season.

“He (Holmes) has shown a lot of mental fortitude… he’s out here and going through parts of practice. The guys are excited for him,” Malone said.