One of the best stories in the NBA this season, and especially in Denver, has been the career resurgence of Russell Westbrook. Multiple teams unceremoniously discarded the former MVP in the past few years and many were wondering if his days in the league were coming to an end.
But he latched on with the Nuggets in the offseason on a veteran minimum deal and has made a bigger impact than just about anyone could have imagined. Russ has been a much-needed steadying presence in Denver, offering a burst of energy and creating an elite two-man game with Nikola Jokic.
Russ has been so excellent that he was controversially promoted to the starting lineup on a full-time basis in place of Christian Braun. But in just the second game after that promotion, Westbrook suffered a hamstring injury that forced him to leave Friday night’s win over the 76ers in the 4th quarter.
Westbrook limped off and did not return. He was also ruled out of the team’s game the following day in Charlotte, a 107-104 in Charlotte over the Hornets. That was Westbrook’s first missed game of the season and the team could be in serious trouble if they lose their sparkplug for an extended period of time.
Westbrook already ruled out for Monday night with hamstring strain
Concerningly, Westbrook was ruled out for Monday night’s game against the Pelicans on Sunday afternoon with what’s officially being listed as a hamstring strain. The Nuggets will also be without Peyton Watson for the second straight game with a knee sprain.
We finally saw the Nuggets get healthy over the last few weeks and they unsurprisingly played their best basketball of the season, ripping off 11 wins in 14 games. But we’ve also seen that this is a thin roster with very little depth. Missing even one rotation player is a major blow, so the absence of two is a big deal.
Watson and Westbrook are two of the Nuggets’ best athletes, defenders, and energy providers. The Pelicans have been having a nightmarish season, but they’re getting healthy and have played better recently. Zion Williamson is completely off the injury report and will be available for New Orleans on Monday night.
If the Nuggets aren’t careful they can easily lose this game. But this is about much more than one game. The trade deadline is in four days and the Nuggets’ roster is in turmoil. They’re getting inconsistent play and constant health issues lately as they try to stay alive for a top 4 seed in the West.
Meanwhile, they’re watching teams around them make moves to their rosters to try and improve like the Lakers adding Luka Doncic and the Spurs adding De’Aaron Fox. The West is extremely competitive and every game is going to matter. If the Nuggets can’t get whole quickly, it’s going to be tough for them to stay afloat.