The Denver Nuggets will have forward Spencer Jones available for their NBA season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 22. Jones, who missed the entire preseason with a hamstring injury, participated in a full practice and declared himself ready to play. His return adds a vital floor-spacing element to a Nuggets rotation that recently lost Julian Strawther to a knee injury. The team heads into the game after closing their preseason schedule with a 121-106 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on October 16.
Spencer Jones is officially on track to suit up against the Thunder. He returned to the court for a multi-minute scrimmage during the Nuggets' Sunday practice. "We're working our way to the game. I wouldn't say it's 100% confirmed, but that's how I'm taking it," Jones said. He noted his conditioning is still a work in progress, but he feels good. The 25-year-old wing tweaked his hamstring early in training camp and sat out all five preseason contests. Denver exercised caution, but his progression has been steady. "It felt good out there, so we'll gradually build it up and be ready for our first game," Jones added.
Jones's comeback is a significant offensive boost. He provides elite three-point shooting, a skill the Nuggets desperately need on the perimeter. In last season's playoffs, he led the entire NBA by shooting an incredible 69.2% from beyond the arc. That kind of spacing opens driving lanes for Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. His return is even more important now. With Julian Strawther sidelined, Denver's wing depth was getting thin. Jones stepping in helps maintain the team's offensive firepower.
This opener has extra meaning for Jones. In July, the Thunder aggressively pursued him in free agency. Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti offered the restricted free agent a fully guaranteed two-year, $12 million contract. The Nuggets, however, matched the offer sheet with less than an hour to spare before the deadline. That decision pushed Denver over the second luxury tax apron and increased their tax bill by $32 million. It was a clear signal of his value to the franchise. Jones addressed the situation on social media, stating both teams met his criteria for a winning culture and fit.
Denver finished their exhibition slate with a 3-2 record. After a loss to the Utah Jazz on October 4, they bounced back with a win in Utah on October 6. They then beat the Chicago Bulls 133-128 on October 11 before falling to the LA Clippers 122-110 on October 14. They capped it off with a 15-point victory over the Lakers. These games were about rhythm and evaluation, not the final score. But the win over Los Angeles provided positive momentum heading into the real games. The full 2026-27 schedule is available on our schedule page.
The focus now shifts entirely to the regular season opener on the road in Oklahoma City on October 22. Facing the team that tried to poach Jones adds a compelling layer to the matchup. The Thunder will be a tough first test, and having a healthy Spencer Jones gives the Nuggets a better chance to start the year with a win. His shooting can be a difference-maker in a close game. Denver's championship aspirations get their first real examination in just a few days.
