Nuggets Make Lineup Decision on Russell Westbrook vs Hornets

The Denver Nuggets have made a lineup decision regarding guard Russell Westbrook vs the Charlotte Hornets

Jan 31, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) looks on against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

The Denver Nuggets find themselves on an eight-game winning streak heading into their Thursday night contest against the Charlotte Hornets, the longest currently in the NBA. The presence of Nikola Jokic always helps, and the fact they haven't faced any playoff teams. However, they've been doing all this success with one of their key players sidelined.

After missing the last seven games due to injury, Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook is set to return for Thursday's game. In 48 appearances this season, Westbrook is averaging 13.0 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.1 rebounds. Westbrook also joined the team's starting lineup for good on December 27th, but the Nuggets have since announced a change.

Lineup alert: Nuggets will start Murray, Braun, Porter Jr., Gordon, Jokic on Thursday.

— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) February 21, 2025

The Nuggets have announced they'll be starting Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic against the Hornets. Returning to their opening night starting lineup, the Nuggets will now send Westbrook back to the bench.

While Westbrook had success in the starting lineup, the move back to the bench for him allows Malone to have his veteran presence off the bench and still be the first substitute in.

Christian Braun will start. Russell Westbrook will come off the bench.

Back to the starting lineup that started the season for the Denver Nuggets pic.twitter.com/lSGP4dwjZ8

— Katy Winge (@katywinge) February 21, 2025

Given the success of players like Zeke Nnaji, Julian Strawther, and Jalen Pickett in recent games, also having Westbrook off the bench gives the team a strong nine-man rotation going forward. If the Nuggets can avoid injury and keep this level of play going, they should be serious contenders come playoff time.

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