The Denver Nuggets have not won yet in preseason. Sure, the Abu Dhabi games and playing some good teams hasn’t helped matters, but it would still be nice to get a win. Michael Malone tends to agree, and he’s tried to challenge the team to play better than they have. It’s clear that he’s not happy with their efforts so far, and only a few players on the roster have looked like they’re giving 100%. So, they get one more shot to ease the mind of their coach against a team that has caused them a lot of issues in the past – the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Basics

Who: Denver Nuggets (0-4) at Minnesota Timberwolves (2-2)

When: 7:00 PM MDT

Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN

How to watch/listen: NBA League Pass, 92.5 FM Altitude Radio. Show up at the Target Center, open a vent, army crawl through it, drop down into a supply closet, steal a disguise of some sort, and then enjoy the show. Sail the high seas.

Injury Report: Jamal Murray – questionable (knee), Aaron Gordon – questionable (calf), Peyton Watson – questionable (hamstring), DaRon Holmes II – out (Achilles)

The Three Things

The Thing To Watch For: Julian Strawther

Julian Strawther has been a light in a dim preseason. He’s been shooting lights out in preseason, putting up a blazing 50% from beyond the arc through the first 4 games (9/18). He’s also putting them up at a solid volume at a little over 4 a game. He’s shown craftiness, flashes as a shot creator, and definite ability as a catch and shoot threat. He’s also meshed well with soon to be 6th man, Russell Westbrook. The Nuggets will need him to be good, and so far he seems to be promising enough to bet he’ll come through as that. Who knows, maybe he’s the kick this team needs to have a resurrection of a championship window. So just sit back, relax, and remember that you can enjoy the show – Julian Strawther is on your team.

The Thing To Remember: It’s Preseason!

I’ve seen a lot of doomerism around the team since the team has started 0-4 in preseason. It makes sense – you always want your team to win. However, it’s preseason guys! It doesn’t matter. As soon as that calendar hits October 22nd, none of this matters. Sure, we can assess some things based on a few games – like Zeke Nnaji looking good, or the fact that there will definitely be spacing issues. But all the issues that are appearing (that will be consistent thorns at least) were ones that we knew would be there before the season. We knew the depth beyond the main guys would be shaky at best. We knew that Jalen Pickett and Hunter Tyson weren’t likely to be rotation guys. Most people besides a certain Nuggets draft connoisseur knew that Vlatko Cancar wasn’t likely to be an impactful player – especially early on. Yes, Jamal Murray has struggled, but also he’s always been a streaky player. It will be okay. Take a deep breath. In. Out. There you go.

The Thing To Bet: I do not gamble! Do not take sports betting advice from me.