Set your alarms, the NBA is back! Here is when Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets take on Oklahoma City

The NBA season tips off on Tuesday at 9:00 PM with Detroit hosting Boston, while Denver will make its debut late in the evening. The Nuggets are set to take the court for the first time in the 2026–27 campaign on Friday, October 23, when they travel to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Following Denver's practice on Sunday, head coach David Adelman stated that Spencer Jones should be ready to play, barring any setbacks with his hamstring injury. Jones suffered a minor hamstring strain early in training camp and was sidelined throughout the preseason. However, he was cleared for full practice and took part in Sunday's scrimmage, signaling good news for his availability on Thursday night.

"With Peyton Watson's departure to Cleveland and Tim Hardaway Jr. heading to Miami, Jones is primed for an expanded role this season. He proved his value during the Nuggets' first-round series against Minnesota, where Denver was a far superior team with him on the floor. The Nuggets registered a +0.6 net rating with Jones on the court, compared to a -6 when he sat on the bench. Jones entered the offseason as a restricted free agent and signed a two-year, $12 million offer sheet with the Thunder, which the Nuggets quickly matched to retain him," US media outlets highlighted.

He stands out as one of their premier defenders and, despite an unconventional shooting form, connects on 39% of his attempts from beyond the arc.

Jones is poised to be a crucial weapon off the bench all year, but Denver will need him most in high-stakes games like this season opener against the Thunder. Jones was repeatedly tasked with guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in critical stretches last season, and while it was not always smooth sailing, his length and athleticism make him well-equipped to challenge the two-time MVP.

Moreover, he is far more than just a floor spacer who settles for perimeter looks — though his three-point volume could increase this season. He possesses explosive straight-line drives, sharp off-ball cutting instincts, and soft touch around the rim. While DeMar DeRozan will spearhead the second unit, Jones' growth and production will largely dictate Denver's ceiling in the standings.

Hamstring injuries can be notoriously unpredictable, but Denver recognizes the importance of long-term health and will manage his workload with extreme caution throughout the season.

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