The Denver Nuggets face a tough test Tuesday night when the 12-7 Golden State Warriors come to town for an NBA Cup clash. This will be the final group game of Group C of the Western Conference NBA Cup – with possible implications for the knockout rounds of the tournament.

It’s also an important matchup, pitting title hopefuls against each other, as well as the last two Western Conference teams to win the title (Nuggets in 2023, Warriors in 2022). The game also pits two league MVPs and two of the game’s best players and biggest stars against each other. Nikola Jokic and Stephen Curry.

There are many storylines in this gigantic heavyweight bout at the start of the national TV season – the match will be broadcast live on TNT at 8:00 p.m. (MT). However, there are some injury updates and concerns that both sides should keep an eye on. Each of the teams struggled early in the season with some key players missing action.

The Warriors’ biggest star will be active on Tuesday night as Steph Curry will start for Golden State and should carry his normal workload. Curry is dealing with knee soreness and has already missed four games this season, but he’s ready for the team’s trip to Ball Arena.

However, Nuggets fans won’t have a chance to see Draymond Green on the court. Green has appeared in all 19 games for the Warriors so far this season, but will miss Tuesday night’s game with calf strain. This should be a huge blow to Golden State’s defense and their chances of slowing Jokic down.

The Warriors will also be without De’Anthony Melton, who is out for the season with a torn ACL.

In what will likely be the Nuggets’ final NBA Cup game of 2024 (thanks to point differential, as a wild card they have a non-zero chance of reaching the quarterfinals), their entire lineup will finally be intact for the first time during the competition.

Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson both recently returned from brief absences and both players will be back in action on Tuesday night after being listed as probable. The Nuggets will be at full strength, as they have been all season, and fans should see an exciting game.