Nuggets Face Kings Amid Injury Uncertainty

DENVER, Colo. — The Denver Nuggets are looking to reclaim their position as one of the top seeds in the Western Conference as they host the Sacramento Kings on March 5, 2025. The Nuggets currently sit behind the Los Angeles Lakers, who have edged them for the second seed. With playoff aspirations on the line, the Nuggets face a challenging matchup with key injuries affecting their roster.

Denver’s forward Aaron Gordon has been ruled out due to a left ankle sprain, marking the 26th game he has missed this season. Gordon, who averaged 12.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in 36 appearances, played a significant role in guiding the Nuggets to victory during their championship run last year.

Compounding the issue, the Nuggets are also uncertain about the status of star center Nikola Jokic, who is listed as questionable for the game due to an ankle issue. Jokic, a two-time MVP, leads the team with averages of 28.9 points, 12.7 rebounds, and has consistently been a critical component of Denver’s offense.

“His availability could heavily influence the outcome of the game,” said Nuggets head coach Michael Malone. “Nikola brings a level of playmaking that is hard to replace.”

On the opposing side, the Sacramento Kings aim to extend their four-game winning streak despite their own injuries. The Kings will be without Domantas Sabonis, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Sabonis, who leads the league in rebounding with 14.1 rebounds per game, has been crucial to Sacramento’s success.

“We’ve faced challenges before, but this team has shown resilience,” said Kings coach Doug Christie. “We believe we can compete at a high level even without Domantas.”

Sacramento guard Malik Monk is also questionable for the game due to a right toe sprain, adding to the injury woes on both sides. On their four-game road trip, the Kings seek to continue their winning momentum, having recently defeated the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks.

The Nuggets currently rank third in the league for offensive efficiency, averaging 121.1 points per game. However, their three-point shooting has been inconsistent, which could impact their performance against a competitive Kings team, who average 116.9 points per game.

The tip-off at Ball Arena is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. With both teams battling significant injury concerns, tonight’s game will serve as a litmus test for their depth and determination as they navigate the second half of the season.