Depth has been a constant concern for the Denver Nuggets and that could very well continue through the 2026-27 NBA campaign, so if the franchise is going to play serious basketball into May, then Cam Johnson will need to consistently provide difference-making production. The veteran forward was efficient last season, but he occasionally faded into the background and played only 54 games due to lingering knee and ankle injuries. Health remains a concern heading into Monday's matchup versus the Golden State Warriors.
Johnson missed Saturday's overtime victory over the New Orleans Pelicans after suffering an ankle sprain in Denver's season-opening loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is expected to be sidelined for the Warriors clash as well. The former lottery pick is listed as doubtful, per the NBA injury report.
The Nuggets' supporting cast is already thin with both Spencer Jones and Julian Strawther nursing injuries they sustained before the season, so head coach David Adelman needs his core guys to be on the court. Johnson will take another day to heal and hopefully make significant progress for Wednesday's road game against the Pelicans.
Article Continues BelowFree-agent signing Alpha Diallo is also considered doubtful due to a wrist sprain. Warriors fans are waiting on final confirmation for a few of their team's supporting cast members. Forward Gui Santos is questionable with left knee tendinitis, while guard Brandon Williams and center Charles Bassey are both probable with low back soreness and right patellar tendinopathy, respectively.
Adelman and Steve Kerr may have to dig a little deeper into their benches for this Mile High showdown, an unfavorable scenario for two squads that are trying to return to relevancy after disappointing finishes to the 2025-26 campaign. The Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray-led Nuggets should theoretically have enough to protect Ball Arena, but Cam Johnson should be an X-factor moving forward.