Warriors vs. Nuggets injury report

The full injury report for Monday’s showdown.

The Golden State Warriors, riding the high of a seven-game winning streak, find themselves with perhaps their biggest test since acquiring Jimmy Butler III. In a highly-anticipated game that’s nationally-televised on ESPN, the Dubs will host three-time MVP Nikola Jokić and the 2023 title-winning Denver Nuggets at 7:00 p.m. PT.

A lot is at stake. The Warriors are suddenly and shockingly in play to catch up to the Nuggets in the Western Conference standings. But they’re also barely holding off the Minnesota Timberwolves in the standings, and a loss tonight could push the Dubs down to the play-in tournament seeds.

Most importantly, it’s a chance for the Warriors to prove that their new-look squad can contend for a title.

Both teams have question marks on the health front, though, and we could end up seeing a team that’s quite compromised. Here’s the full injury report.

Warriors

Out — Brandin Podziemski (bilateral low back strain)

Podziemski will miss another game — this will be his sixth straight absence, counting the game he started but left after just 44 seconds. But hopefully it will be his last. The hope is that Podziemski will return on Tuesday, for the back end of the back-to-back, when the Warriors host the Milwaukee Bucks.

Questionable — Steph Curry (right low back strain)

Curry hasn’t looked 100% lately as he’s been dealing with some back soreness. It probably goes without saying that the Warriors will be in a bit of trouble if he can’t play.

Questionable — Quinten Post (right ankle soreness)

Hopefully Post can play, because he’s a fun player for this matchup. Plus, it would be nice for him to get his feet wet playing against the Nuggets, in case Golden State faces Denver in the playoffs.

Available — Gary Payton II (bilateral nasal bone fracture — facemask)

Masked GPII lives on. So far it’s been a delightful experience, albeit one that came at a painful cost for Payton.

Nuggets

Out — Julian Strawther (left knee sprain)

Strawther has been having an awesome season. The 29th overall pick in the 2023 draft has become a key part of Denver’s rotation in just his second season, averaging 22.1 minutes and 9.4 points per game. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury at the start of the month that will keep him out until at least April.

Out — DaRon Holmes II (right Achilles tendon repair)

Holmes was taken with the 22nd pick in the 2024 draft but, unfortunately, suffered an Achilles injury a few days later, and has yet to make his NBA debut. He’s started to practice again, but won’t be back this season.

Questionable — Nikola Jokić (right elbow contusion/left ankle impingement)

Both teams have a multi-time MVP winner listed as questionable. Needless to say, the Nuggets will benefit greatly if Curry can’t play, and the Warriors will benefit greatly if Jokić can’t ... and basketball fans will benefit greatly if both are good to go.

Questionable — Jamal Murray (right ankle sprain)

Denver’s two best players are both questionable. Murray’s been having yet another awesome year, averaging 21.5 points and 6.1 assists, while shooting 39.7% from three-point range. His status for this game could greatly impact the result.

Questionable — Aaron Gordon (right calf injury management/left ankle sprain)

That’s three core starters with a combined five injuries. You’ve got to feel for the Nuggets, though the Warriors are in no place to offer injury sympathies.

Probable — Christian Braun (left foot inflammation)

Braun has exploded in his third season, more than doubling his scoring output, to 15.2 points per game, while cementing himself in Denver’s starting five. He’s turned into a fantastic player. Seems like that happens a lot in Denver.

Enjoy the action, Dub Nation!