Thunder Surge Toward Win Record as Injuries Shape Northwest Division Storylines
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Denver Nuggets
Guard Jamal Murray left Monday’s game against Dallas with a right ankle sprain, but the team listed him as questionable for Wednesday’s matchup in Indiana, suggesting the injury might not cost him any time. Denver remains without starters Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon and will miss reserve wing Julian Strawther for a ninth straight game on Wednesday as he continues to deal with a back issue. Interim head coach David Adelman said Strawther is limited to light movement and exercise machines and has not resumed basketball activities. According to Adelman, the back pain appeared on an off-day rather than during play.
Oklahoma City Thunder
At 21-1, Oklahoma City has drawn comparisons to the 73-win 2015-16 Warriors. Draymond Green, a member of that Golden State squad, told The Athletic he believes the Thunder could top the record, noting the need for “a lot of breaks” to align but calling them “capable.”
ESPN’s Anthony Slater profiled center Chet Holmgren, detailing the second-year player’s recovery from last season’s fractured pelvis and highlighting team confidence that his progress will continue.
Utah Jazz
Center Walker Kessler, sidelined for the season by a shoulder injury, has been attending practices and film sessions. Head coach Will Hardy said Kessler is expected to join road trips later in his rehabilitation to avoid the isolation common during long recoveries.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Rookie big man Joan Beringer has seen limited minutes this fall, but a Western Conference scout told RG.org that team personnel “rave about how willing he is to learn.” The 19-year-old said he concentrates on defense and sticking to his role during brief stints: “If I play five, six, seven minutes, I try to be good in my role, and the coach pushes me in this way.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
