NBA8 Nov 20261 minute read

Nuggets Face Travel Chaos and Questionable Starters Before Houston Game

Plane delays in Mexico City have left the Denver Nuggets listing their main players as questionable for Monday's matchup with the Rockets.

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Stranded After Mexico City Victory

The Denver Nuggets ran into severe flight problems following their international road trip to Mexico City. The team played the Indiana Pacers on Saturday afternoon in a neutral site game, securing a 114-102 win.

Denver was originally scheduled to leave Mexico City on Saturday night immediately after the game. However, major issues with their aircraft forced the squad to return to their hotel early Sunday morning. They remained hopeful to finally take off for Houston on Sunday night in order to arrive ahead of their Monday night game against the Rockets.

Shootaround Cancelled and Starters Questionable

Because of the severe travel nightmare, the team made the decision to cancel Monday's planned shootaround. The extra strain from the delay appears to have taken a toll on the roster as well.

Denver listed six key players as questionable for Monday night with various ailments. That list includes Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson, DeMar DeRozan, and Christian Braun. With the shootaround scrapped and player health uncertain, Denver faces a very difficult preparation window.

Matching Up Against Houston

The timing of these travel issues comes at a tough spot in the schedule. The Nuggets hold a 5-3 record so far this season. Meanwhile, the Rockets have started strong with a 7-3 record.

Heading into Houston under normal circumstances is already a challenge, but doing so after aircraft problems and cancelled prep sessions adds huge friction for Denver. Bettors will need to watch the late updates carefully to see which of those six questionable players actually take the court on Monday night.

What it means for the next game

Denver Nuggets at Houston Rockets (NBA, Tue, 10 Nov): Houston Rockets win 73%, Denver Nuggets win 27%; projected score Houston Rockets 113, Denver Nuggets 107. Our safest pick: Rockets to win.

Denver Nuggets at Memphis Grizzlies (NBA, Thu, 12 Nov): Memphis Grizzlies win 29%, Denver Nuggets win 71%; projected score Memphis Grizzlies 115, Denver Nuggets 122. Our safest pick: Nuggets +1.5.