Nuggets Rule Spencer Jones Out for Season Opener
The Denver forward will miss Thursday's game against the Thunder due to a lingering bilateral hamstring injury.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Basketball
The Denver Nuggets have officially ruled forward Spencer Jones out for their season opener on Thursday against the Thunder. Jones continues to manage a bilateral hamstring injury that kept him sidelined throughout the preseason.
Why it matters
Jones' absence leaves a gap in the frontcourt rotation for the Nuggets' first game of the season. His management plan for the bilateral hamstring issue remains a focal point for team medical staff as the season begins.
Spencer Jones did not participate in any preseason games due to his injury status. He managed to take part in a practice scrimmage on Sunday, but the team ultimately downgraded him to out for the upcoming regular-season opener.
The players
Spencer Jones
He is a professional basketball player currently playing as a forward for the Denver Nuggets.
Denver Nuggets
This is a professional basketball team based in Denver that competes in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference.
Trevon Brazile
He is a professional basketball player who may see increased court time for the Nuggets due to roster adjustments.
The details
Although Jones participated in a practice scrimmage on Sunday, he has been unable to overcome the strain in his left hamstring. With Jones sidelined, the coaching staff may rely on Trevon Brazile to absorb additional playing minutes during Thursday's matchup.
Timeline
Sunday: Spencer Jones participated in a practice scrimmage.
Thursday: The Denver Nuggets play their season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Season Trajectory
The Nuggets' ability to navigate early-season health challenges will influence their rotation stability and depth in the competitive Western Conference. Relying on players like Trevon Brazile to step into larger roles highlights the importance of bench depth during the 82-game campaign.
Fantasy basketball managers should monitor the situation closely to see how the team redistributes Jones' forward minutes. Trevon Brazile is the primary candidate to see an uptick in usage and playing time while Jones remains unavailable.
The takeaway
Managing soft-tissue injuries like bilateral hamstring strains often requires extreme caution during the initial weeks of the season. Players and teams prioritize long-term availability over immediate participation to avoid more significant setbacks later in the year.
Further reading
For more updates on team rosters and injuries, visit the Denver Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Sports.
