Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther is expected to miss the opening weeks of the 2026-27 NBA regular season after being diagnosed with a left knee sprain. The injury occurred during a preseason game and will sideline him for the season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 22.
The Nuggets announced the diagnosis on October 18. Strawther's absence is an immediate test for the team's depth as they look to build on a preseason that included a 121-106 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on October 16.
Strawther suffered the injury in the third quarter of a preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers on October 16. His leg got caught under his body during an awkward landing, causing him to bend his knee in an unnatural way. The Nuggets' medical staff evaluated him immediately and later confirmed a sprain of his left knee.
The team stated Strawther will now begin a rehabilitation process. He is scheduled for a re-evaluation in approximately six weeks to assess his progress and determine when he can resume basketball activities. This timeline puts his return sometime in early December, depending on his recovery.
Losing Strawther depletes Denver's wing rotation and three-point shooting off the bench. Selected 29th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, he appeared in 57 games last season and averaged 7.2 points. He started 18 contests, showing flashes of the scoring punch he can provide.
His injury comes as the Nuggets finalize their rotation for the new campaign. Head coach Michael Malone now must find reliable minutes from other reserves on the perimeter. The team's preseason results were mixed, with wins over the Lakers, Chicago Bulls (133-128 on Oct. 11), and Utah Jazz (117-106 on Oct. 6), but also losses to the Clippers (122-110 on Oct. 14) and Jazz (109-97 on Oct. 4).
Strawther's development was seen as a key piece for sustaining performance through the long regular season. His ability to space the floor is a specific skill set that will be missed early on. Fans can track the team's health updates on our injuries page.
The Nuggets open their regular season on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 22. Strawther will definitely be unavailable for that contest and for several weeks after. His absence puts more onus on the team's veteran core and remaining bench players to produce from opening night.
Denver's early schedule will require others to step up immediately. The team's performance in their final preseason games, including that win over the Lakers, showed they have scoring options. But integrating those options consistently without Strawther's specific contributions is the next challenge.
The focus now shifts to his rehabilitation. A successful six-week recovery and re-evaluation would be a positive outcome for both the player and the team's long-term plans. In the meantime, the Nuggets must handle the start of their title pursuit with one fewer weapon in the arsenal.
