Nuggets Will Play Jazz in Boulder Sunday
The Denver Nuggets face the Utah Jazz at the CU Events Center this week to conclude training.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Basketball
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The Denver Nuggets will face the Utah Jazz in a preseason basketball game at the CU Events Center this Sunday. This matchup serves as the final event for the team following a full week of training in Boulder.
Why it matters
The game allows the Nuggets to finalize their roster structure and evaluate new talent on the court. This session concludes a concentrated training period held in Boulder.
New signing Ryan Nembhard appeared in 60 games during the previous season. His addition follows the team's decision to waive KJ Simpson to clear roster space.
The players
Ryan Nembhard
He is a professional basketball player who recently signed a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets.
KJ Simpson
He is a professional basketball player who was recently waived by the Denver Nuggets.
Cody Williams
He is a professional basketball player who was traded by the Utah Jazz to the Minnesota Timberwolves on August 29.
Austin Dufault
He serves as the vice president of player development for the Denver Nuggets organization.
Rodney Billups
He currently serves as an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets.
The details
The Denver Nuggets move into this exhibition matchup after recent personnel adjustments, including signing Ryan Nembhard to a two-way contract. Additionally, the Utah Jazz enter the game following their own roster changes, most notably the August 29 trade of Cody Williams to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Timeline
August 29: The Utah Jazz traded Cody Williams to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
September 30: The Denver Nuggets officially waived KJ Simpson.
October 4: The Denver Nuggets will play the Utah Jazz in Boulder.
Season Trajectory
This game follows the established pattern of the NBA preseason game training cycle as teams integrate new additions into their rotation. The result helps determine the final depth chart for the Nuggets ahead of the competitive season.
The game provides the first look at Ryan Nembhard within the Nuggets' system after his 60-game season elsewhere. Fans can observe how the loss of KJ Simpson and the addition of Nembhard affect the team's guard rotation.
The takeaway
Preseason matchups serve as a critical proving ground for players adjusting to new systems before the regular season begins. Keeping track of roster movements like two-way contract signings is essential to understanding the team's competitive strategy.
Further reading
Explore more about the upcoming season on the Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Denver Post.
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