Nuggets to Face Pelicans Without Cam Johnson
Cam Johnson will miss the Denver home opener on October 24, 2026, due to a right ankle sprain.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Basketball
The Denver Nuggets will be without Cam Johnson for their October 24, 2026, home opener against the New Orleans Pelicans. Johnson is sidelined with a right ankle sprain sustained during a season-opening loss.
Why it matters
The Nuggets are dealing with multiple injury absences that threaten to hamper their roster depth early in the new season. Managing these player health concerns is critical as the team seeks to establish momentum at Ball Arena.
Cam Johnson joins teammates Spencer Jones, Alpha Diallo, and Julian Strawther on the inactive or questionable list for the matchup. These four players represent a significant portion of the team's depth chart missing from the opening home game.
The players
Cam Johnson
He is a professional basketball player currently playing as a forward for the Denver Nuggets.
Spencer Jones
He is a professional basketball player currently rostered with the Denver Nuggets.
Alpha Diallo
He is a professional basketball player currently playing for the Denver Nuggets organization.
Julian Strawther
He is a professional basketball player currently on the Denver Nuggets roster.
The details
Cam Johnson suffered his ankle injury during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 22, 2026. Other absences include Spencer Jones, out with a bilateral hamstring injury, Alpha Diallo, dealing with a right wrist sprain, and Julian Strawther, who has a left knee sprain from the preseason.
Timeline
Julian Strawther sustained his knee injury during the preseason.
Cam Johnson sprained his ankle on October 22, 2026.
The Nuggets home opener against the Pelicans takes place on October 24, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This wave of injuries disrupts the Nuggets early season rotation, potentially forcing deeper bench usage that could alter playoff positioning. The team must navigate this competitive disadvantage to maintain their standing in the division while waiting for key players to return.
The absence of four rotation players will force a significant shift in the Nuggets' starting lineup and substitution patterns for the home opener. Fantasy managers should adjust rosters to account for the confirmed unavailability of Johnson and Jones.
The takeaway
Maintaining roster health during the opening week is a challenge that many teams must overcome to secure early victories. Fans should monitor future injury reports closely to see which key contributors return to the court in the coming days.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, visit the Denver Basketball page.
