The Denver Nuggets need to secure a commanding win against the undermanned Washington Wizards tonight, but Denver itself will be severely shorthanded heading into the game.

Coming into the day, Denver had Aaron Gordon listed as probable and Jamal Murray as questionable on the injury report. The team saw numerous players demoted before the game and five players were sidelined due to injury.

Aaron Gordon was downgraded from likely out, and Jamal Murray was downgraded from questionable to out due to right hamstring inflammation. Additionally, Dario Saric, DaRon Holmes II and Vlatko Cancar are all listed as retired.

Even without Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray, the Denver Nuggets should be able to beat the Washington Wizards tonight. Washington has eight players out due to injury, including Kyle Kuzma, Corey Kispert, Malcolm Brogdon and Saddiq Bey. Jordan Poole is one of the team’s few key players available against the Nuggets.

While it’s unfair to say that Nikola Jokic’s availability should be enough for the Nuggets to win against the Wizards tonight. Jokic is a three-time MVP and was voted the best player in the NBA for a reason. He will also have the support of Michael Porter Jr., Russell Westbrook and Christian Braun tonight.

The Denver Nuggets face the Washington Wizards tonight at 7:00 PM EST.

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