The Nuggets come into this game as the top seed in the Western Conference. They are ready to go far in the playoffs. Meanwhile, after a recent run of good games, the Magic are now 13th in the Eastern Conference.
Latest news on Nikola Jokic and Gary Harris for Nuggets vs. Magic game
Orlando and Denver are in different places as the season goes on. The Nuggets know that now is the time to win a championship, but the Magic are still young and building for the future. On Thursday night, these two times will meet.
The Denver Nuggets are having one of their best seasons ever, and it looks like they will get the top seed in the Western Conference.
This is the second time these two teams have played each other. The first time was on January 15, and Nikola Jokic’s 3-pointer helped the Nuggets win by one point.
Tonight, Jokic is ready to play against the Magic. The Nuggets star finished Tuesday’s 146-112 win over the Timberwolves with 20 points (8-10 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 16 assists, 12 rebounds, one steal, and one block in 28 minutes.
The two-time MVP and the Nuggets made quick work of the Timberwolves. Even though he only played for 28 minutes, Jokic was unstoppable as a scorer and playmaker. He became only the third player in NBA history to get a triple-double in 28 minutes or less.
Voters have to go out of their way to give a player a third straight MVP, but Jokic’s nightly great play for the Western Conference-leading Nuggets has made him the favorite to win at this point in the season.
Injury Reports Nuggets
- Jamal Murray (Knee) – Questionable
- Collin Gillespie (Lower Leg) – Questionable
- Zeke Nnaji (Shoulder) – Questionable
Murray may miss his third straight game because of swelling in his right knee. If he can’t play this Thursday, he will be able to play in the game against Charlotte on Saturday.
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The Orlando Magic are steadily climbing the NBA rankings. On Tuesday, they were about to win their third consecutive game when the Knicks came back late.
Though their record may not look great, the Orlando Magic have been a tough opponent all season. The Magic are currently 21st in 3-point percentage and 27th in scoring offense in the NBA this season.
This season, Orlando’s defense has allowed 18th-most points. The Magic have the sixth-best 3-point defense in the NBA. Orlando is only 17th in the NBA in rebounding.
Injury Reports Magic
- Chuma Okeke (Knee) – Out
- Gary Harris (Groin) – Questionable
Harris is questionable for Thursday’s game, his first absence since Dec. 30 due to soreness in his right adductor. In his possible absence, Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, and Terrence Ross could see increased playing time.