NBA Notes: Nuggets, Christian Braun, Bulls, Coby White, Jazz, Georges Niang

Nuggets

Denver took a hit to its depth on the wing, with Christian Braun expected to miss at least six weeks due to a left ankle sprain.

Shams Charania of ESPN reported the timeline, and the Nuggets confirmed it in a release.

Braun went down late in the first quarter of Wednesday’s win over the Clippers.

He stepped awkwardly after briefly getting tangled with James Harden near mid-court, immediately grabbing at his ankle as he hit the floor.

It’s a tough break for Denver. Braun, who signed a five-year, $125 million rookie-scale extension on Oct. 20, became a full-time starter last season and was one of the league’s most efficient young wings — 15.4 points, 5.2 boards, 2.6 assists and elite shooting splits (.580/.397/.827) across 79 games.

His start this fall was quieter at 11.9 points and 4.4 boards in 30.8 minutes, but his defensive versatility remains vital.

He’s missed just nine games in three years, and he’ll more than double that over the next six weeks, with Denver scheduled to play 19 times.

Braun isn’t the only injury concern.

Cameron Johnson is out Saturday in Minnesota with a right bicep strain, per Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette, and Nikola Jokic is questionable with a left wrist sprain.

In Braun’s absence, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Julian Strawther are in line for more minutes, while Peyton Watson could slide into Johnson’s spot.

Bulls

Chicago could finally see some reinforcement in the backcourt.

Coby White (calf) and Josh Giddey (ankle) both practiced fully Friday — with contact — and K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports they’re expected to return at some point during the Bulls’ stretch of five games in seven days beginning Sunday in Utah.

Because the schedule includes two separate back-to-backs, the Bulls are still mapping out which nights each player will suit up and how heavy their workloads will be.

White, who hasn’t played yet this season, joked that he’s pushing the medical staff to let him play all five, but admitted he’s “pushing for three” and expects about a 24-minute restriction.

Zach Collins (left wrist surgery) is progressing too.

Coach Billy Donovan told reporters that Collins had his splint removed and has begun passing and shooting again.

A recent CT scan showed strong healing, and Donovan doesn’t expect a long ramp-up.

Jazz

Forward Georges Niang, still working back from a stress reaction in his left foot, is “ramping up” his activity and will be reevaluated in one week, the Jazz announced.

Niang has yet to play this season but has been steadily increasing his workload.