The Denver Nuggets will face off against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night as they officially tip off the second half of their season.
Denver also enters Thursday’s matchup with the healthiest roster they have had in a while. Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. will all start for the Nuggets against the Hornets after previously being listed on the injury report.
Russell Westbrook will also return for Denver on Thursday. The veteran point guard has been out of the lineup since Jan. 31 due to a hamstring injury, but with the All-Star break allowing him to heal, he will officially suit up Thursday night.
While Westbrook had been moved into the starting lineup before his injury, head coach Michael Malone has elected to move him to the bench in his return. Christian Braun will remain the Nuggets’ starting shooting guard with this decision being made.
Starting 5️⃣ pic.twitter.com/ecyAVIiZKW
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) February 21, 2025
Westbrook has starred in a starting role next to Jamal Murray in the backcourt, but Braun has also had an incredible season. It is likely the Nuggets will stagger their minutes so that Westbrook and Nikola Jokic will be able to share the floor together, which has worked well this season for Denver.
While Westbrook will not start Thursday night, expect him to still play a large role off the bench. This may also be a limited time thing for Denver as Malone has swapped Westbrook and Braun in and out of the starting lineup a ton already this season, so once the veteran guard shakes off the rust from his injury, do not be surprised if he winds up as a starter once again down the stretch.
Fans can catch the matchup between the Hornets and Nuggets at 9:00 p.m. EST as Denver looks to extend their winning streak to nine games.