After two wins in a row, the Denver Nuggets face the Sacramento Kings in a tough away test on Monday. The Kings have a disappointing 13-13 record this season, but have won four of their last five games to start a winning streak.

The Nuggets have been disappointing themselves this season, going 13-10 in their first 23 games. Superstar center Nikola Jokic is playing at a historic level, but there is still room for improvement before this team feels like a true title contender.

Monday’s game in Sacramento will give the Nuggets a good opportunity to really find their rhythm, especially after losing three of four meetings against the Kings last season.

Unfortunately for the Nuggets, they will be missing the starting lineup against the Kings as guard Christian Braun is out with a lower back strain.

The 23-year-old Braun is averaging 15.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game on 56.7/40.3/77.6 shooting splits this season. The third-year guard has taken on more offensive responsibility this season and has become a key player for the Nuggets. Russell Westbrook will start in Braun’s absence.

Monday’s game in Sacramento will be the first game the Nuggets will play without Braun since May 2023, as the young guard played for every game last season. It will be interesting to see what the Nuggets do with their guard rotation with Braun sidelined, as second-year winger Julian Strawther will likely be given an expanded role.

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