Jokic pulled no punches postgame, making his frustration with the home crowd crystal clear. “I think those fans who booed us, they don’t need to come anymore,” Jokic told reporters. “Because if you guys follow us, you know that we never quit.”

While other sluggish contenders around the league—like Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat—have responded to opening-week hiccups with public soul-searching, Jokic took a far more defiant stance. Rather than absorbing the criticism, the three-time MVP made it clear that fair-weather support has no place in Denver’s locker room culture.

On the court, Jokic and Jamal Murray powered the historic turnaround. Murray exploded for a game-high 42 points, while Jokic orchestrated the offense with a vintage 35-point, 15-rebound, 10-assist triple-double to fuel the second-half resurgence.

Why were the Nuggets booed on their home floor?

While the final score sparked a celebration, the first 24 minutes were an unmitigated disaster for Denver in its home opener. The Nuggets sleepwalked through the early stages, falling behind by as many as 26 points and entering halftime trailing 73-57. But just as the crowd began to sour, Denver flashed the championship resilience that has defined this core, systematically dismantling the deficit after the break.

Murray and Jokic ultimately capped off the miraculous 141-135 comeback victory, flipping the energy in the arena from restless frustration to bedlam by the time the final buzzer sounded.

Shaking off their opening-night loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Nuggets showed that even when the rotation looks out of sync early, their superstar tandem remains capable of overcoming any deficit as the grueling 82-game campaign gets underway.

Key takeaways

• Nikola Jokic told fans who booed the Denver Nuggets to not come anymore.
• Jamal Murray scored 42 points while Nikola Jokic tallied a 35-point triple-double.
• The Denver Nuggets overcame a 26-point deficit to win 141-135 against New Orleans.

Doncic and Jokic are both expected to be on the floor at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Tonight’s matchup serves as a crucial final dress rehearsal for both star-studded rosters ahead of next week’s official opening night.

On one side, Doncic steps into his new role as the focal point in Los Angeles, taking the reins for a Lakers team entering a new era following LeBron James’ departure to the Philadelphia 76ers, a move James has already called a refreshing fresh start in Philly.

On the other side, Jokic enters another campaign as the anchor in Denver, tasked with leading a re-tooled Nuggets squad determined to bounce back and reclaim its spot atop the Western Conference after adding key contributors DeMar DeRozan and Cam Whitmore to the rotation.

Predicted lineups for tonight’s game between the Lakers and Nuggets

While the Lakers had a relatively quiet offseason on the transaction wire, the Nuggets are expected to showcase their newest additions alongside their returning core. Here are the predicted starting lineups for both teams:

• Los Angeles Lakers
  • PG: Luka Doncic
  • SG: Austin Reaves
  • SF: Quentin Grimes / Ziaire Williams
  • PF: Jake LaRavia / Rui Hachimura
  • C: Walker Kessler

• Denver Nuggets
  • PG: Jamal Murray
  • SG: Christian Braun
  • SF: Cameron Johnson
  • PF: Aaron Gordon
  • C: Nikola Jokic

With the stage set for an intriguing Western Conference preseason clash, as Doncic and Jokic are expected to be on the floor, the Lakers and Nuggets will tip off at 10:30 p.m. ET in Los Angeles.

Key takeaways

• Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic are expected to play in today’s preseason game.
• LeBron James left the Los Angeles Lakers to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
• The Denver Nuggets added DeMar DeRozan and Cam Whitmore to their roster.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Nuggets and DeRozan have finally reached a one-year agreement. “DeMar DeRozan has agreed to sign with the Denver Nuggets on a one-year, $3.9 million deal,” Charania reported. The signing sets up a compelling potential starting lineup anchored by Nikola Jokic.

Denver Nuggets expected starting five:

• PG: Jamal Murray
• SG: DeMar DeRozan
• SF: Cameron Johnson
• PF: Aaron Gordon
• C: Nikola Jokic

Contract details in deal between DeRozan and Nuggets

The deal represents a low-cost addition for Denver, bringing in an accomplished scorer without making a significant long-term financial commitment. However, the financial implications for the franchise extend beyond DeRozan‘s base salary.

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Nuggets will incur a $2.4 million cap hit on DeRozan’s contract. Denver will now have 14 players on guaranteed contracts and is projected to sit approximately $3.15 million above the NBA’s second apron.

Marks added that Denver is currently projected to face a $75 million luxury tax penalty. DeRozan became an unrestricted free agent after the Sacramento Kings released him in July, ending his two-year stint with the franchise.

DeRozan’s recent performance

Despite turning 37 earlier this month, DeRozan remained productive last season, averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steal across 77 games for Sacramento. The veteran has played 17 NBA seasons with the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, and Sacramento Kings, earning six All-Star selections.

According to veteran NBA insider Marc Stein, the Nuggets are capturing league-wide attention due to the uncertainty surrounding Nikola Jokic’s long-term contractual situation. While Jokic remains eligible to sign a supermax contract extension, the three-time NBA MVP has once again chosen not to finalize a new deal during this offseason.

“There are a lot of eyeballs on the Denver Nuggets right now league-wide,” Stein revealed. “There is a lot of curiosity about where this team is going and, let’s face it, [Nikola] Jokic could have signed an extension for the second straight summer and did not. And even if that is 1,000% motivated by the finances involved, it’s still going to get other teams whispering, monitoring — you know, pick your adjective — but this is going to be a topic.”

The decision behind Jokic’s move

Jokic‘s decision is widely viewed as a financial one rather than an indication of dissatisfaction with the franchise. The 31-year-old is currently eligible to sign a four-year supermax extension worth approximately $278 million to $280 million.

However, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported earlier this offseason that Jokic plans to wait another year because doing so would make him eligible for a significantly larger contract. By delaying an extension, the Denver superstar could instead sign a five-year supermax deal worth approximately $359.5 million.

Stein believes that Jokic postponing his contract extension for a second consecutive summer is enough to fuel league-wide speculation. As Denver contends with an expensive roster, second apron restrictions, and a crucial NBA offseason following a first-round playoff elimination against the Minnesota Timberwolves, rival executives are likely to monitor the organization’s trajectory closely.

While there is no indication that Jokic is seeking to leave Denver, Stein’s comments highlight how any uncertainty surrounding one of the NBA’s biggest superstars will undoubtedly generate interest across the league.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Heat, Nuggets, and Cavs are among the teams eyeing DeRozan’s services. “I’m told Miami, Denver and Cleveland are among the teams interested in DeMar DeRozan,” Charania reported during a Monday appearance on NBA Today.

DeRozan became a free agent after he was waived by the Sacramento Kings on July 6. The 36-year-old started 77 games for Sacramento last season, averaging 18.4 points and 4.1 assists to go along with 2.9 rebounds per game. He shot 49.7 percent from the field and 32.0 percent from three-point territory.

DeRozan’s outlook

Despite finishing with a mere 22-60 record with the Kings—who owned a better net rating with DeRozan off the floor compared to having him on the court—the veteran scorer remains an intriguing option. While the six-time All-Star’s days as one of the top scorers on a playoff contender are likely in the rearview mirror, he could contribute as a complementary offensive option moving forward.

Cleveland is searching for more scoring from its wings after coming off an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. The Cavs are looking to add to their core of Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, which is where their interest in Kuminga also fits in.

The fit for the Heat and Nuggets

Miami has been busy this offseason, acquiring two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Bucks on June 22. As the Heat look to climb up the Eastern Conference standings led by Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, the team could bring in an experienced veteran such as DeRozan.

On the other hand, the Nuggets are attempting to bounce back from a first-round playoff loss this year, representing their earliest postseason exit since 2022. While Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray will continue to lead Denver’s starting lineup, DeRozan might accept a depth role with the team. The Nuggets only ranked No. 20 in the NBA in bench scoring last season, an area the squad must improve at all costs.

According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, several heavyweight contenders could be monitoring Gordon’s status. “Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Boston Celtics are among the many win-now teams Gordon would obviously fit in with as realistic trade suitors,” Siegel reported.

While whispers have even mentioned Nikola Jokic, those remain purely speculative, as no credible insiders have suggested the three-time MVP is looking for a way out of Denver.

Meanwhile, the Lakers—who are currently locked into a clash with the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder—find themselves at the center of the rumor mill despite their ongoing playoff run.

Breaking down Gordon’s contract

The logistics of a Gordon trade are complicated. The forward is under contract through the 2028-29 NBA season, making him a long-term commitment for any suitor. According to Siegel, teams may look to engage the Nuggets in talks ahead of the NBA Draft to jumpstart a potential deal.

However, the financial hurdle is steep. Gordon has roughly $103 million remaining on his deal starting next season. For “win-now” teams like the Lakers, Suns, and Celtics—all of whom are facing tight salary cap constraints—absorbing that figure would require significant roster gymnastics.

Why Gordon could be the premier “Win-Now” target

The interest in Gordon isn’t a mystery; it’s a reflection of his evolution into one of the league’s most versatile “glue guys.” His ability to guard multiple positions, play above the rim, and provide elite secondary scoring makes him a plug-and-play fit for any championship hopeful.

For the Nuggets, the question becomes whether they believe this roster has another run in them, or if the time has come to recoup assets before Gordon’s massive extension kicks in.

Those setbacks pushed him into a much larger offensive role, and the former Chicago Bulls guard responded with the best performance of his NBA career. He exploded for 43 points against Denver in Game 4.

He delivered one of the highest-scoring playoff performances ever by a reserve and instantly became a central figure in the series. Now, Minnesota enters another pivotal matchup with uncertainty surrounding its backcourt depth.

Why was Ayo Dosunmu listed as questionable?

Ayo Dosunmu was listed as questionable for Game 6 against the Denver Nuggets because of right calf soreness. The Minnesota Timberwolves added the guard to the injury report just hours before tipoff, creating even more uncertainty.

His injury designation comes at a difficult moment for Minnesota. The Timberwolves are already without Anthony Edwards, who is recovering from a knee injury, while Donte DiVincenzo suffered a torn Achilles earlier in the series.

His breakout performance helped Minnesota take control of the series and showed how important he has become for Chris Finch’s rotation. So, the coaching staff is expected to monitor the center closely before Game 6.

How has Ayo Dosunmu performed this season?

Ayo Dosunmu has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his NBA career in 2025-26. The guard averaged 14.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game while shooting an efficient 51.7% from the field during the regular season.

He began the season with the Chicago Bulls before being traded to Minnesota during the year. After arriving with the Timberwolves, he quickly established himself as an important two-way player thanks to his perimeter defense.

His efficiency has been especially impressive for a backcourt player. Dosunmu finished the regular season among the league leaders in field-goal percentage for guards, while also improving as a playmaker and secondary scorer.

Minnesota relied heavily on his athleticism and defensive energy throughout the second half of the season. He has elevated his game even further during the playoffs. Injuries forced him into a featured offensive role against Denver.

Both players are dealing with injuries that could significantly impact rotations ahead of a must-win matchup in Minneapolis, where Denver looks to stay alive in the series and the Timberwolves aim to close it out.

Gordon’s availability is considered one of the biggest swing factors of the matchup, given his role as a defensive anchor and secondary scorer alongside center Nikola Jokic and point guard Jamal Murray.

What and when did Aaron Gordon get injured?

The 30-year-old forward Aaron Gordon is dealing with left calf tightness that first appeared during the early stages of the playoff series between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves.

The injury forced him in and out of the lineup, including multiple absences in Games 3 and 5, as Denver managed his workload carefully. According to recent reports, the issue has lingered for over a week and has worsened with game intensity, making it a recurring concern rather than a single-game setback.

He initially felt discomfort after a high-usage stretch in the series and has since been listed as questionable or ruled out depending on pre-game evaluations. His absence in Game 5 was particularly notable, as Denver had to adjust rotations without one of its most versatile defenders and secondary scorers.

When will Aaron Gordon return to play?

Aaron Gordon is considered a true game-time decision for Game 6, with his return dependent on pre-game warmups and medical clearance. The Denver Nuggets have not ruled him out long-term.

Reports from the camp indicate the team is prioritizing caution, especially due to the risk of aggravation. That means he could either return in a limited role or be held out again depending on how he responds physically right before tip-off.

How has Aaron Gordon been playing this season?

Aaron Gordon has been averaging 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game this 2025–26 NBA season while shooting nearly 50% from the field. His scoring profile has stayed consistent, with strong interior finishing and improved spacing through occasional three-point shooting at nearly 39%.

He has remained one of the team’s most efficient two-way contributors, playing around 28 minutes per game and serving as a key finisher in transition and pick-and-roll situations alongside Nikola Jokic.

What and when did Bones Hyland get injured?

Bones Hyland is dealing with left knee soreness that emerged just before Game 6 of the series against the Denver Nuggets. The Minnesota guard was added to the injury report late in the series, making him a surprise questionable case.

Unlike longer-term injuries in the series, the 25-year-old point guard’s issue is described as a new and sudden development, likely linked to increased minutes and physical load during the postseason stretch.

How has Bones Hyland been playing this season?

Bones Hyland has been a consistent bench scoring spark for the Minnesota Timberwolves this season, averaging 8 points, 3 assists and close to 2 rebounds per game while shooting efficiently from the field.

He has maintained roughly 46% shooting and has provided steady production in limited minutes as a second-unit guard. His impact has come in bursts, especially when Minnesota needs instant offense off the bench.

He has had multiple double-digit scoring games in key stretches, including standout performances in wins where he reached 18+ points and helped stabilize the second unit during injury-heavy rotations.

The injury occurred late in Game 4, when he landed awkwardly and had to leave the court after his knee bent backward on the play. Initial fears were significant, but tests revealed no ligament damage.

Chris Finch’s team still holds a 3-1 series lead and will try to finish the job without him. For the Denver Nuggets, his absence could open the door to extend the series—especially with Aaron Gordon also dealing with an injury of his own.

When will Anthony Edwards return to play?

Anthony Edwards is expected to be sidelined for multiple weeks and is unlikely to return during the first-round series. Reports indicate he will begin rehabilitation immediately, but the recovery timeline extends beyond the current series against Denver.

That means even if the Timberwolves advance, his availability for the early part of the next round would also be in doubt. While avoiding ligament damage is a positive sign long-term, they will need to plan without the franchise player in the short term.

What happened to Anthony Edwards?

Anthony Edwards suffered a left knee injury (hyperextension and bone bruise) during Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets. He landed awkwardly while contesting a play and had to leave the game early.

The injury occurred in the second quarter, when he immediately grabbed his knee and was helped off the court. Initial concern was high, but tests later confirmed there was no ligament damage, which avoided a worst-case scenario.

Still, the nature of the injury—especially the hyperextension—impacts explosiveness and mobility, two of his biggest strengths. Even though Minnesota went on to win Game 4 and take a 3-1 series lead, the injury quickly became the defining storyline heading into Game 5.

How has the Timberwolves star been performing?

Anthony Edwards has been one of the NBA’s top scorers this season, averaging 29 points per game and leading the Timberwolves offensively. He averaged over 5 rebounds and around 4 assists per game, showcasing his all-around growth.

Against the Denver Nuggets specifically, he has been especially dangerous—putting up over 30 points per game in matchups this season and consistently creating problems with his athleticism and shot-making.

In the playoffs, his impact remained strong before the injury, helping the team build a 3-1 series lead. His absence now removes the team’s primary offensive engine, forcing others to step into a much larger role.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets’ next games

The next game is Game 5, with the Timberwolves leading the series 3-1 and looking to eliminate the Nuggets. Game 5 is scheduled in Denver, where the Nuggets will try to extend the series and avoid elimination.

If necessary, the remaining schedule would be:

• Game 6: Back in Minnesota | Thursday, April 30
• Game 7: In Denver (if needed) | Saturday, May 2

The series follows a best-of-seven format, meaning Minnesota needs just one more win to advance, while Denver must win three straight games to stay alive. With Edwards sidelined, Game 5 becomes even more unpredictable.

He has been dealing with lingering left calf tightness throughout the series, an issue that already forced him to miss Game 3 and limited him in Game 4, where he logged just 23 minutes before briefly exiting to the locker room.

After falling behind 3-1 in the first-round series, Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets are trying to avoid a first-round exit—and they not only need a win at Ball Arena, but also clarity on the status of one of their key two-way players.

When could Aaron Gordon return to play?

Aaron Gordon could return as soon as Game 5, but he remains a game-time decision due to his calf injury. The veteran forward’s availability will likely be determined shortly before tip-off.

Because it’s the playoffs—and Denver is facing elimination—there’s a strong incentive for him to try to play through the injury. However, his condition has already limited his effectiveness, and the team will prioritize mobility and risk of aggravation before clearing him.

How and when did Aaron Gordon get injured?

Aaron Gordon suffered a calf injury during the first-round playoff series against the Timberwolves, with the issue emerging after Game 2. He was later ruled out of Game 3 due to tightness in his left calf.

Reports indicate the injury worsened as the series progressed. He attempted to return in Game 4 but was visibly limited and even went to the locker room during the game before coming back to the court.

How many games has Aaron Gordon missed so far?

Aaron Gordon has missed one game in this playoff series so far, sitting out Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, his availability has been inconsistent beyond that absence.

Even when active, he has played limited minutes and has not been at full strength due to the calf issue. Looking at the bigger picture, durability has been a concern this season.

He appeared in just 36 regular-season games, missing significant time due to multiple injuries, including recurring hamstring problems. That makes his current situation even more impactful for Denver in the playoffs.

How has Aaron Gordon performed this season?

Aaron Gordon has been an efficient and reliable two-way contributor for the Denver Nuggets, averaging around 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game this season. His offensive production has remained steady.

He complements Nikola Jokic with cutting, rebounding and the ability to guard multiple positions. Earlier in the season, he even delivered standout performances, including a historic 50-point game on opening night.

Denver Nuggets’ next games

The Denver Nuggets’ next game is Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with their season on the line. The matchup takes place in Denver, with the team trailing 3-1 in the series. If they win, the series will continue with:

• Game 6 in Minnesota | Thursday, April 30
• Game 7 (if necessary) back in Denver | Saturday, May 2

The first round follows a best-of-seven format, meaning David Adelman‘s team must win three straight games to advance. With elimination pressure mounting, Gordon’s status becomes one of the defining factors.

Jokic made it clear that he did not regret taking part due to what he saw as a lack of respect. McDaniels broke the unwritten rule all NBA players follow. Jokic said McDaniels’ scoring toward the end of a one-sided game pushed him over the edge, he said, per ESPN. “I don’t regret it,” he said postgame. “Because he scored after everybody stopped playing.”

After the clash between McDaniels and Jokic, Julius Randle stepped in to defend his teammate, which intensified the situation and led to both Jokic and Randle being ejected from the floor with just one second remaining in the game.

Jokic and Randle fined

Nikola Jokic was fined $50,000, and Julius Randle received a $35,000 fine, on the other hand, for their roles in the Denver Nuggets-Minnesota Timberwolves Game 4 fight, the NBA announced Sunday.

Both teams were set to meet again in Denver for Game 5, with the Wolves holding a commanding 3-1 series lead and now one win away from eliminating the Nuggets. And it was better that there were no suspensions, so they could be seen in action with that edge already established.

In addition, the 3-1 situation was not favorable at all for the Nuggets; however, the Timberwolves would now deal with the absence of Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo, both due to injury.

Jokic praises Gobert

Nikola Jokic threw shade at the officials while praising Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, as he had been one of the key factors behind the Serbian star’s inconsistent performance.

Jokic finished with 24 points on 8-22 shooting, 15 rebounds, nine assists, and three steals. On the other side, Gobert finished with 15 rebounds, two blocks, two steals, two assists, and four points, making his presence felt on the defensive end of the floor, holding Jokic to 36.3% shooting.

“Average…It’s a little bit of everything. You know, I’m not shooting the ball really well, especially from the three, and you know, Rudy is doing a good job with being physical, testing the officials, contesting shots,’’ Jokic said. “You know, he’s a really good defender. And not just him, they play very good … they’re big, long, tall, handsy, trippy, they’re bumping you, so… I think I answered your question.”