This will be the official Nuggets debut of nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook. The 2017 MVP made three appearances in the preseason, posting averages of 11.3 points, 6.3 assists, and 2.0 rebounds in 19.

Interestingly, though, during the portion of Denver’s scrimmage that was open to reporters on Monday, Jokic played on a team with Westbrook, Strawther, Watson and Saric. Still, the 10th-year Nuggets coach wants to be conscientious of the rhythm he risks losing from Murray if he’s too frequent with his substitutions.

In recent years, Nikola Jokic has had his minutes split between playing alongside co-star Jamal Murray and Denver's back-up point guard. He sounded open to spending more time

Nikola Jokic spoke to the media during practice and was very candid about the Nuggets' performance during the preseason. "We didn't play the preseason how we're supposed to be pla

That’ll be Thursday (8 p.m.), when the Nuggets host Oklahoma City to tip off the 2024-25 campaign. They moved downstairs from their practice gym Monday to scrimmage on the main court at Ball Arena, providing more of a game-like practice setting that they don’t often get.

The Denver Nuggets will be one of the last NBA teams to tip off their 2024-25 campaigns, and that could be a godsend. The Nuggets, who will have a new starting lineup this year, could have everyone in their rotation available for the first time when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night.