Tough Blow for Jokić and the Nuggets: Key Denver Contributor Facing Extended Absence

Pulse Sports Team 17:19 - 17 October 2026

The Denver Nuggets will be without Julian Strawther for an extended spell, with the club officially confirming he will miss at least six weeks.

The Nuggets guard had to be helped off the court after sustaining a left leg injury during Denver's preseason clash against the Clippers.

Julian Strawther suffered a left knee sprain in the matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers and is set to be re-evaluated in six weeks.

While no definitive timetable has been set for his return, he could remain sidelined until early December.

Strawther suffered the injury during the third quarter in Los Angeles when his leg got caught underneath him and bent awkwardly upon landing.

He stayed down on the hardwood grimacing in pain as the Nuggets' medical staff attended to him. Once helped to his feet, he appeared unable to put any weight on the injured leg as he exited the court.

Denver officially ruled him out for the remainder of the contest just minutes later.

Strawther had been one of Denver's standout performers off the bench throughout the preseason. The Nuggets selected him with the 29th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft following a three-year collegiate career at Gonzaga.

Denver opens the regular season on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 22.