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Nuggets Have Optimistic Injury Update for Spencer Jones Before Season Opener
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- Nuggets Have Optimistic Injury Update for Spencer Jones Before Season Opener
The Denver Nuggets received positive news on the injury front ahead of opening night.
The Nuggets will take the court for the first time in the 2026-27 season on Thursday, October 22, when they hit the road to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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At the Nuggets' practice on Sunday, head coach David Adelman stated that Spencer Jones should be available to play as long as he doesn't have any setbacks with his hamstring injury. Jones tweaked his hamstring early in training camp and was unable to play during the preseason.
He was available to practice and play in the scrimmage on Sunday, a good sign for his availability on Thursday.
Expectations For Jones
With Peyton Watson being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Tim Hardaway Jr. joining the Miami Heat, Jones will have an expanded role this season.
He proved his worth in the Nuggets' first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where the Nuggets proved to be a much better team with him on the floor than they were with him off.
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
They had a +0.6 net rating with Jones on the floor, but a -6 net rating when he was off.
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Jones was a restricted free agent in the offseason, and the Thunder presented him with a two-year, $12 million offer sheet, which he signed. The Nuggets matched the offer, keeping him under contract.
He's one of their better defenders, and despite having an awkward-looking shot, he shoots the ball at a 39% clip from three.
Needing Jones
Jones will be an important piece to Denver's bench all season, but they are especially going to need him in high-profile matchups like opening night against the Thunder.
Jones was tasked with guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in key moments last season, and while it didn't always go his way, he has the length and athleticism to give the two-time MVP some trouble.
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He's also more than just a spacer, as he doesn't shoot the three with high volume, although that could change this year. He has some bounce off the dribble and is a smart cutter, along with being a good finisher around the rim.
DeMar DeRozan will lead the bench unit throughout the season, but Jones' development and contributions will go a long way in determining where the Nuggets finish in the standings.
Hamstring injuries are tricky to deal with, but Denver knows the importance of good health, and they will be careful with him throughout the season.
