Nuggets receive encouraging updates before ‘scrimmage’ vs. Cavs

The Nuggets received some encouraging injury news Friday, even as they continue to operate short-handed.

NBA on Prime reporter Cassidy Hubbarth said during Denver’s 113-108 loss in Cleveland that starters Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun are still dealing with soreness but could return at some point during the current road trip, which concludes Wednesday in Boston. Ryan Blackburn of Mile High Sports relayed the updates.

Hubbarth also said the Nuggets have been “pleasantly surprised” by the progress Nikola Jokic has made while rehabbing a left knee injury, according to Blackburn.

Despite the injuries, Denver does not appear eager to add short-term help. The Nuggets are carrying 14 players on their standard roster and technically could sign a player to a 10-day contract beginning Monday. Coach David Adelman acknowledged the option before Friday’s game but downplayed the likelihood.

“Right now, we are who we are,” Adelman said, via Bennett Durando of The Denver Post.

Durando reports the Nuggets are unlikely to pursue a 10-day signing, in part because they sit roughly $400,000 over the luxury tax line and are expected to prioritize getting below that threshold ahead of the trade deadline.

With four starters and the backup center sidelined, Adelman said the team would be learning on the fly.

“This will sound crazy,” he said, “but we’re playing an NBA game in an hour and a half, and that’s our scrimmage.”