Nuggets Face Injury List Ahead of Crucial Matchup Against Kings

DENVER, Colo. — The Denver Nuggets are preparing for a critical matchup against the Sacramento Kings on March 5, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET at Ball Arena. The Nuggets, currently seeking to reclaim their position as the second seed in the Western Conference behind the OKC Thunder, find themselves grappling with significant injury concerns.

Amid a competitive season, the Nuggets will take the court without forward Aaron Gordon, who has been ruled out due to a left ankle sprain. This marks the 26th game Gordon will miss this season, having already faced multiple injuries. In his 36 appearances this season, Gordon has averaged 12.9 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting a career-high 41.5% from three-point range.

Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, a two-time MVP and critical to the team’s success, is also listed as questionable for the game due to an ankle issue. Jokic leads the team with averages of 28.9 points and 12.7 rebounds per game, and his absence would be felt deeply in Denver’s offense and rebounding efforts. Over the last 20 games, he has shown extraordinary form, averaging 26.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 11.5 assists.

As the team navigates these challenges, seven players are included on the Nuggets’ injury report. Alongside Gordon and Jokic, Vlatko Cancar (knee), Zeke Nnaji (ankle), and Peyton Watson (knee) are also listed as questionable. Meanwhile, Julian Strawther (knee) and DaRon Holmes (Achilles) have already been ruled out.

The Kings, having traded away De’Aaron Fox, are nonetheless entering the game on a four-game winning streak. They are facing challenges of their own, with star player Domantas Sabonis sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Malik Monk, who averages 18.4 points, remains questionable because of a toe issue. Sacramento’s offense ranks sixth in the league, scoring an average of 116.9 points per game, but will need to rise to the occasion in Sabonis’ absence.

While the Nuggets boast a slight advantage in rebounding, averaging 46 boards per game compared to the Kings’ 44.9, their three-point shooting has been inconsistent, placing them 28th in the league with 12 made threes per game. Michael Porter Jr. will need to step up and deliver if Jokic is unavailable to play.

The game is crucial not only for securing the Nuggets’ position in the playoffs but also for testing the depth of both teams as they face off amidst numerous injuries. Fans can catch the action live on NBCS-CA, ALT, and KUSA or stream it on Fubo. With so much on the line, the status of Jokic will be closely monitored, and both teams will seek to leverage their remaining strengths as they step onto the court.