The Nuggets played without starting point guard Jamal Murray, who sat out due to inflammation in his left knee. Given their recent schedule, the team decided getting Murray off his feet was wise. The team has been playing without guard Russell Westbrook, who’s been sidelined by a hamstring injury.

Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. has been floated in trade rumors prior to Thursday's deadline, but his head coach made it clear that he won't

Porter is a sharpshooter and provides floor-spacing to Jokic, who has great chemistry with the Missouri product. With Jokic's generational passing ability at the center position, having a sharpshooter capable of making high-caliber shots from beyond the arc is invaluable.