Nuggets Rest Starters, Jokic Plays in Game 82 for Awards Eligibility

Denver's strategic move to manage injuries and playoff seeding raises questions about their postseason plans.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:21am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented basketball players and court elements in a vibrant color palette, conceptually representing the strategic complexities facing the Denver Nuggets.The Nuggets' strategic move to rest starters exposes the complex interplay of injury concerns, playoff seeding, and psychological factors in the NBA.Oklahoma City Today

The Denver Nuggets, led by superstar Nikola Jokic, have made a surprising decision to rest their starting lineup against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the final regular season game. This move has sparked debate, as it could impact the team's playoff seeding and potential matchups. The Nuggets' priority appears to be managing injuries to key players like Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon, while also keeping Jokic eligible for individual awards by having him play at least 15 minutes in the final game.

Why it matters

The Nuggets' decision highlights the delicate balance teams must strike between resting players, securing favorable playoff positioning, and maintaining individual award eligibility. This move could have significant implications for the Nuggets' postseason prospects, as well as the playoff picture in the Western Conference.

The details

The Nuggets' decision to rest their starters against the Thunder was likely influenced by a desire to avoid a potential first-round matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who swept the Nuggets in last year's playoffs. Additionally, the team is dealing with injuries to key players, and prioritizing their health for the postseason. However, the move also ensures that Jokic, the MVP frontrunner, will play at least 15 minutes in the final game, making him eligible for individual awards like the All-NBA team.

  • The Nuggets' final regular season game is on April 13, 2026.
  • Nikola Jokic needs to play at least 15 minutes in the final game to be eligible for the MVP award and All-NBA team.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets' superstar center and MVP frontrunner.

Jamal Murray

The Nuggets' starting point guard, who is dealing with an injury.

Aaron Gordon

The Nuggets' starting power forward, who is also dealing with an injury.

David Adelman

The head coach of the Denver Nuggets, who discussed the team's strategic decision-making.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The team that swept the Nuggets in last year's playoffs, and a potential first-round matchup the Nuggets may be trying to avoid.

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What they’re saying

“We must make decisions based on what's best for the team, not just individual awards or seeding. There are a lot of unknowns when facing certain teams in the playoffs.”

— David Adelman, Head Coach, Denver Nuggets

What’s next

The Nuggets' final regular season game on April 13, 2026 will determine their playoff seeding and Nikola Jokic's eligibility for individual awards.

The takeaway

The Nuggets' decision to rest their starters highlights the complex balancing act teams must navigate between managing injuries, securing favorable playoff positioning, and maintaining individual award eligibility. This move could have significant implications for the Nuggets' postseason prospects and the Western Conference playoff picture.