Nuggets vs. Rockets: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions
Game Time: 8:00 PM EST on Saturday January 1, 2022
Denver Nuggets 39, Houston Rockets 34 (Q2 09:35)
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
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Pump fake
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This Nuggets-Rockets game is as fun as it is ridiculous. – 8:46 PM
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These have been strong Vlatko minutes on both ends. Facu is dining people up. JaMychal Green is finally adding some production to the mix. Good stretch from the bench so far. – 8:46 PM
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Vlatko Cancar just converted one of the best euro’s I’ve seen from a Nuggets player and;
It’s fitting – 8:46 PM
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Facu nutmegs Christian Wood, who got benched tonight because he can’t handle Jokić. Not a great day for Christian Wood. – 8:45 PM
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Nuggets with 25 points in less than six minutes to end the first, start the second quarter. No lead is enough if you play no defense. – 8:45 PM
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Unsure what’s going on with Facu Campazzo.
He’s tried four insane passes.
Finally converts on a nutmeg to JaMychal Green for a highlight dunk. – 8:45 PM
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These have not been good minutes from the Rockets bench. – 8:45 PM
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ohhhhh Facu Magic – 8:44 PM
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End of 1.
Rockets: 31
Nuggets: 30
@Kroger | #Rockets pic.twitter.com/qJN5KCU74I – 8:42 PM
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One quarter in the books pic.twitter.com/FO3jVrKX1K – 8:42 PM
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he’s baaaack 👀 pic.twitter.com/vdEs9EpJIY – 8:41 PM
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Once down 11, #Nuggets down just 31-30 after first quarter.
Bench (and Bol!) with 8 points giving Denver a spark. – 8:40 PM
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Rockets 31, Nuggets 30 after 1. Rockets led by 11, broke down a bit when went to the bench. Jokic with 10, Porter Jr. and Green combine for 15. – 8:40 PM
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NWABA WITH THE POSTER! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/fOrcOvklIQ – 8:40 PM
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KPJ wanted to fly! 🛫
RT to vote for @Kevin Porter! #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/vbsCMOdCy8 – 8:39 PM
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Gotta play Bol Bol against the Houston Rockets. Gotta. – 8:38 PM
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First quarter minutes for Bol Bol tonight in Houston. It’s his first rotation minutes since Nov. 15 against the Mavs. – 8:35 PM
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Tate giving them the sauce. 😱 pic.twitter.com/L3c2IyKLWt – 8:34 PM
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Here comes Bol Bol, checking in for Nikola Jokic. – 8:34 PM
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Like a month ago, Stephen Silas said he liked to use Theis against Embiid and Jokic (only two names he gave). Didn’t think he would go this far. – 8:33 PM
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First bench appearance in 76 games as a Rocket for Christian Wood – 8:32 PM
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Big fella going to work 💼 pic.twitter.com/aNiFwJSCDC – 8:32 PM
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Rejected!
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Tonight is Christian Wood’s 76th game with the #Rockets – he’s coming off the bench for the 1st time. He’s checked in at the 2:50 mark of 1stQ, Hou up 26-18 – 8:31 PM
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Rought start to Popeye Jones’ head coaching career: Rockets out to 26-18 lead with 2:50 left in th first.
Houston shooting 60%. Denver, shooting just 36% from the field, has had a handful of clunky offensive possessions. Jokic carrying them with 8. – 8:31 PM
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Jokic vs. Embiid is Steph vs. Lillard. Embiid is awesome, but Jokic is just another level man – 8:30 PM
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Christian Wood getting set to check in. – 8:30 PM
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Nwaba posters Jokic. Not sure I have typed that before. – 8:30 PM
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Denver is letting the Rockets dictate the pace of the game and getting ran on over and over again. Nuggets need to slow things down. – 8:30 PM
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David Nwaba is going to be a much more useful player for Houston after they find a trade suitor for Eric Gordon. – 8:29 PM
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NWABA REVERSE OVER JOKIC 😱 – 8:29 PM
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#Rockets Christian Wood set to check in at the next timeout,. – 8:29 PM
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Christian Wood is about to check in – 8:29 PM
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Christian Wood checking in at the next dead ball. – 8:29 PM
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Nuggets second sub off the bench tonight in Houston: 10-day player Rayjon Tucker who’s making his Nuggets debut. – 8:27 PM
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🎯🎯 pic.twitter.com/04i9HsbpYc – 8:26 PM
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Davon Reed commits 3 fouls in 55 seconds which is exactly what you want to see for a shorthanded team. – 8:26 PM
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Here’s the debut: Rayjon Tucker coming in for Davon Reed. – 8:25 PM
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Jalen’s too 𝑸𝒖𝒊𝒄𝒌.
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As mention in this morning’s scouting report houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-n… via @houstonchron teams coming off layoff often shoot poorly early. Nuggets 1 of 8 to start, 1 of 6 on 3s. Unlike in Milwaukee when Bucks misfired early, Rockets build a quick cushion, up 13-4 in 4 1/2 minutes. – 8:19 PM
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𝙎𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙝 💦 pic.twitter.com/bjLLMqyzw5 – 8:19 PM
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Starting off right! 💦 pic.twitter.com/7i76fSc1fw – 8:18 PM
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The Rockets start 3-4 from 3 and 5-9 in total to take an early 13-4 lead over the Nuggets. – 8:18 PM
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Here’s another good sighting: Michael Porter Jr. with the team post back surgery. pic.twitter.com/5owiYPrQgb – 8:18 PM
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This game has featured a lot of Austin Rivers early on. Too much Austin Rivers, to be clear. – 8:17 PM
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When Jalen Green is making his jumpers AND getting downhill, it’s truly a site to behold. – 8:17 PM
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There’s way too much that Austin Rivers does offensively that bothers me. – 8:16 PM
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KPJ pokes the ball loose from Rivers twice on the same possession. He is so much more defensive-minded this season than last. Rockets would like his return to help turn things around on that end. – 8:15 PM
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#Rockets starters vs Denver! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/nqnn5512Jy – 8:14 PM
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Showing out in the 🔥 warm ups. pic.twitter.com/3FVjPfDsFK – 8:13 PM
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The Rockets broadcast doesn’t know either why Christian Wood isn’t starting. No one is talking about that just yet. – 8:11 PM
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Christian Wood has started every game he’s appeared in since joining the Rockets – 8:06 PM
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Christian Wood is in uniform and he is active – 8:03 PM
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Christian Wood is now on the floor as the Rockets warm up – 8:01 PM
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Aaron Gordon and 10-day Rayjon Tucker just had an impromptu dunk contest during pre-game warmups. The Rockets crowd was loving it. Here’s Tucker
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As I noted earlier, #Rockets Christian Wood was on the court before the game, and has now joined the team for pregame, pre-tipoff warmups … – 8:01 PM
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Aaron Gordon and Jalen Green putting on a dunk contest show in warmups. – 7:59 PM
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Glad to have ya back, @Aaron Gordon
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11 #Rockets on the court for pregame warmups. (Porter Jr. not pictured but has joined the group) pic.twitter.com/z4BbMQKwbA – 7:53 PM
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No sign of Christian Wood as the Rockets take the floor – 7:51 PM
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There is no word on why Christian Wood is not in the starting lineup tonight or if he is available – 7:45 PM
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Rockets starters
Jalen Green
Kevin Porter Jr
David Nwaba
Jae’Sean Tate
Daniel Theis – 7:44 PM
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Starting 🖐 in Houston!
#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/iLFdiASsRO – 7:41 PM
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#Nuggets starters: Campazzo, Rivers, Barton, Gordon and Jokic. – 7:38 PM
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#Rockets starters tonight vs Nuggets: Tate, Nwaba, Theis, Green, Porter Jr.
Nuggets starters: Gordon, Barton, Jokic, Rivers, Campazzo – 7:36 PM
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Popeye Jones said he sent Bol a text today telling him to “be ready.”
During pregame shooting, Markus Howard was on the sidelines hyping Bol up and reinforcing the same thing. – 7:35 PM
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#Rockets starters vs. Denver: Green, KPJ, Tate, Nwaba, and Theis. – 7:35 PM
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Rockets starters: Tate, Nwaba, Wood, Green, Porter Jr.
Nuggets: Gordon, Barton, Jokic, Rivers, Campazzo. – 7:33 PM
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Nuggets/Rockets Pregame Lounge
– Popeye Jones is in the big chair
– Who are Rayjon Tucker and Carlik Jones?
– Best @DKSportsbook bets for the night
youtube.com/watch?v=5oN7le… – 7:27 PM
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Start the year off right by voting #NikolaJokic for #NBAAllStar
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🌟 1 RETWEET = 1 VOTE 🌟 pic.twitter.com/BmOktFMmjJ – 7:22 PM
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Aaron Gordon out for his normal warmup slot tonight, is expected to play for the #Nuggets vs. Rockets, which is great news. He has missed 3 games with a hamstring injury. pic.twitter.com/GUEaBPAcbd – 7:14 PM
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From @Denver Nuggets : Austin Rivers (right thumb sprain), Aaron Gordon (left hamstring soreness), and Vlatko Čančar (Non-COVID illness) are all ACTIVE for tonight’s game at #Rockets. – 7:06 PM
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Nuggets announced that all three of Gordon, Rivers and Cancar are active tonight. – 7:06 PM
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Nuggets acting head coach Popeye Jones pregame in Houston: “I want everyone in Boulder County to know that we’re thinking of them and we’re with them.” – 7:03 PM
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Austin Rivers, Aaron Gordon and Vlatko Cancar are all available tonight, team announces.
That’s 12 healthy players available. #Nuggets are now deep. – 7:03 PM
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INJURY UPDATE: Austin Rivers (right thumb sprain), Aaron Gordon (left hamstring soreness), and Vlatko Čančar (Non-COVID illness) are all ACTIVE for tonight’s game.
#MileHighBasketball – 7:02 PM
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Popeye Jones was an assistant coach in Philly when Rayjon Tucker was on the 76ers. It sounds like he’ll play tonight for Denver. “I know what he brings to the table. He brings defense. He brings toughness. He really can compete on the defensive end of the floor,” Jones says. – 6:59 PM
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And Austin Rivers (questionable) is warming up here in Houston with some tape over his sprained right thumb. pic.twitter.com/zzmXgFvYLp – 6:47 PM
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The #Nuggets didn’t hold shootaround this morning because they needed to register all their negative tests, and the timing of their returned results and the court time didn’t match up. – 6:46 PM
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Stephen Silas gave an update on when Alperen Sengun may return to the floor audacy.com/sportsradio610… – 6:43 PM
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Popeye Jones says Aaron Gordon should be available tonight. Vlatko Cancar will be able to play short 2-3 minute stints. Sounds like Austin Rivers is a game-time decision. Jones also sent Bol Bol a text today and told him to be ready: “There may be a Bol Bol sighting tonight.” – 6:43 PM
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Popeye Jones on defending Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green:
“We’ve struggled containing the ball against athletic backcourts…we have to keep the ball in front.” – 6:40 PM
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Popeye Jones is noting that Denver has struggled to contain on the perimeter recently and against this Houston backcourt, that is a priority. – 6:39 PM
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Popeye says Vlatko may be back for short stints tonight, in addition to Aaron Gordon being ready to go.
Also said he sent a text to Bol Bol “be ready.” – 6:38 PM
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Popeye Jones said that Aaron Gordon should be back tonight and that Vlatko Cancar can play short stints. Jones also texted Bol to be ready for minutes. – 6:38 PM
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Popeye Jones said he coached Rayjon Tucker last year with Philly. – 6:37 PM
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Aaron Gordon to play for the Nuggets vs. Rockets. Austin Rivers remains questionable. – 6:37 PM
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Popeye Jones, the Nuggets’ acting coach for tonight’s game at Houston, said Aaron Gordon should be able to play tonight. Austin Rivers looking like more of a game-time decision. – 6:37 PM
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It’s cool to see Malone give complete freedom to Popeye Jones and his staff tonight. Jones noted that Malone did not micromanage and simply told him “good luck”.
Malone’s assistants tend get promoted into bigger roles after spending time in Denver and it’s not surprising why. – 6:37 PM
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Popeye Jones said it sounds like Aaron Gordon will be able to go tonight. – 6:37 PM
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So many of our neighbors are struggling in the aftermath of the fires in Boulder County.
We have compiled a list of ways you can assist them if you are able to
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ballarena.com/howtohelp – 6:35 PM
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Popeye Jones said that Michael Malone told him he wouldn’t be micromanaging him tonight but would be watching from home in Denver.
Said Malone to Popeye: “Good luck!” – 6:35 PM
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Popeye Jones is getting ready to speak to Nuggets media for the first time. – 6:30 PM
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I tried to get Stephen Silas to tip his hand on how the absence of Alperen Sengun will impact how the Rockets handle Nikola Jokic, but he didn’t take the bait.
FWIW I think the Rockets still start Christian Wood and Daniel Theis together – 6:29 PM
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Coach Silas anticipates Alperen Sengun to miss about a week with the ankle sprain. – 6:20 PM
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Stephen Silas says Alperen Sengun is not a day to day thing with the ankle. It will probably be a week and then they will evaluate again. – 6:19 PM
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Rockets rookie Alperen Sengun to be out at least a week, Stephen Silas said. – 6:19 PM
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Stephen Silas says he doesn’t have an update on when Alperen Sengun will be able to return to the floor. “It’s not day-to-day, it’s probably about a week and then we’ll see.” – 6:19 PM
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New year, new fits 💧
#ULTRADrip x #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/X91H9OiTYX – 6:17 PM
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#Rockets Eric Gordon (groin) will not play tonight, per HC Silas – 6:17 PM
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Eric Gordon is out tonight for Rockets vs. Nuggets. – 6:17 PM
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Eric Gordon is out tonight, per Stephen Silas – 6:16 PM
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Eric Gordon is out tonight vs. Denver. – 6:16 PM
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Markus Howard: Still a 🪣 pic.twitter.com/QU5FghQe9s – 6:08 PM
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And here’s 10-day Rayjon Tucker.
Team didn’t have shootaround today. He’s talked with assistant coaches and watched film. The other advice he was given? If all else fails or you forget a set, give the ball to Nikola. pic.twitter.com/PIPve1LOuZ – 5:55 PM
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Even more good news: Markus Howard is here in Houston and shooting. pic.twitter.com/tmmrl67mfI – 5:52 PM
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new year, same drip 🥶
@MichelobULTRA | #ULTRADrip pic.twitter.com/wW9r9WRRBX – 5:51 PM
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Nuggets players expected to be available tonight:
Nikola Jokic
Will Barton
Facu Campazzo
JaMychal Green
Bol Bol
Petr Cornelie
Davon Reed – 10 day
Rayjon Tucker – 10-day
Carlik Jones – 10-day
Aaron Gordon, Austin Rivers, Vlatko Cancar are questionable. – 5:43 PM
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Could be a good sign: Vlatko Cancar, who didn’t play vs. Golden State due to a non-COVID illness, is going through his typical pre-game shooting routine. pic.twitter.com/W4JiGT19rJ – 5:33 PM
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Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr. interviewed for the Bulls’ head coaching job and spent close to 5 seasons with Arturas Karnisovas in Denver. In response to @Chuck Swirsky in-person question, Unseld via Zoom from DC said he and Karnisovas “had a lot of good conversations.” – 5:27 PM
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New #Rockets at #TXSN – Rockets’ Alperen Sengun ruled out vs. Nuggets with sprained ankle ift.tt/3FLT7eh – 5:18 PM
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Happy heavenly Birthday Grandpa I love you and miss you 🕊💚 #LLAW – 5:09 PM
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Tonight’s #Rockets First Shot for charity will be taken by Miss Houston 2021 Priscilla Londono. pic.twitter.com/ieHpv4AEzw – 5:07 PM
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To sum things up, Denver has:
-4 coaches in protocols including Malone
-4 players in protocols (Bones, Nnaji, Morris, Jeff Green)
-4 players out with injury (Murray, Porter, Dozier, Howard)
-3 players questionable with injuries/non-COVID illness (Gordon, Cancar, Rivers) – 5:03 PM
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With David Adelman also in protocols as @Adrian Wojnarowski reported, Denver now has four coaches on health and safety protocols including head coach Michael Malone. – 4:58 PM
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David Adelman has entered health and safety protocols, source confirms to @denverpost. Popeye Jones will coach tonight in Houston. @Adrian Wojnarowski first.
Popeye is, obviously, the third stringer… and joined the staff this season. – 4:58 PM
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Over/Under 6 assists for Facu tonight?
Sign up with @PointsBetUSA to receive your first bets risk-free up to $2K: bit.ly/3DlZTq7
#MileHighBasketball – 4:56 PM
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The Denver Nuggets acting coach — David Adelman — has entered Covid protocols, leaving the head coaching assignment to assistant Popeye Jones vs. Houston tonight, sources tell ESPN. Adelman had replaced Michael Malone, who is also in Covid protocols. – 4:55 PM
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Back-to-back Remix Nights to tip-off 2022 🎉
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📺 @ATTSportsNetSW
📻 @SportsTalk790 / En Español KLAT 1010AM
🚀 @HoustonFCU pic.twitter.com/jZxDsuyPCU – 4:00 PM
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With the Carlik Jones signing, here’s Denver’s healthy roster breakdown tonight:
Guards
Facu Campazzo
Will Barton
Rayjon Tucker
Carlik Jones
Wings
Davon Reed
Forwards
Bol Bol
Bigs
Nikola Jokić
JaMychal Green
Petr Cornelie
QUESTIONABLE
Aaron Gordon
Austin Rivers
Vlatko Cancar – 3:44 PM
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ROSTER UPDATE: We’ve signed Carlik Jones to a 10-Day Contract.
#MileHighBasketball
nba.com/nuggets/news/n… – 3:35 PM
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Alperen Sengun will miss tonight’s game vs. Denver with a right ankle sprain.
Eric Gordon is listed as doubtful with right groin tightness. Jalen Green is probable.
Mathews, Augustin and Jarreau remain in health & safety protocols. – 3:31 PM
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I’ll have a story up on @MileHighSports shortly looking at where the Nuggets roster stands and who will need to step up. Keep your eyes out for it prior to tip tonight. – 3:04 PM
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Rockets’ Alperen Sengun ruled out vs. Nuggets with sprained ankle houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-n… via @houstonchron – 3:01 PM
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New: Leftover nuggets from my chat with Brad Stevens, including his thoughts on Danny Ainge joining Utah, the progress of Tatum and Brown, and why the Celtics filled their hardship openings with older vets. bostonglobe.com/2022/01/01/spo… – 2:57 PM
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Nuggets depth chart tonight if everyone on the injury report is out is not pretty
Guards:
Facu Campazzo
Carlik Jones
Rayjon Tucker
Wings:
Will Barton III
Davon Reed
Bigs:
JaMychal Green
Bol Bol
Petr Cornelie
Nikola Jokic – 2:56 PM
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Rockets have ruled out Alperen Sengun from tonight’s game against the Nuggets with a right ankle sprain. Eric Gordon is doubtful (right groin tightness), while Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr are probable. No change with the players currently in health and safety protocols – 2:52 PM
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Charlotte fan hit by errant Christian Wood pass wants direct apology sports.yahoo.com/charlotte-fan-… via @Yahoo
Go screw lady…an apology..it was an accident. Pay attention when you’re sitting courtside…ugh people like her bug me. #entitled – 2:48 PM
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Here’s the latest #Rockets injury report vs Nuggets tonight:
OUT: Augustin, Mathews, Jarreau (health & safety protocols
OUT: Sengun (right ankle)
DOUBTFUL: Gordon (groin)
PROBABLE: Porter Jr (thigh), Green (hamstring) – 2:47 PM
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Not that @Michael Singer’s reporting needs verification, but I can confirm the Nuggets will be signing Carlik Jones to a 10-day hardship exception which should be official shortly.
Jones is expected to be available tonight for the Nuggets against the Rockets in Houston. – 2:47 PM
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Kickin’ off 2022 in H-Town!
Game preview
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#MileHighBasketball
nba.com/nuggets/news/n… – 2:45 PM
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Another NBA official making their debut tonight. Sharae Mitchell calling the Spurs v. Pistons in her debut
Bianca Burns calls her 4th NBA game tonight Clippers v. Brooklyn, Cheryl Flores calls her 11th in Denver v. Houston and Brent Haskill calls his 3rd game in Jazz v. Warriors – 2:43 PM