DeAndre Jordan Set to Start as Nuggets Face Injured Missi in Denver Opener

Quick Takeaways

Table of Contents

• DeAndre Jordan to Start for Injured Missi vs. Denver Nuggets
• Supporting Data
• Nuggets' Early Season Struggles
• Injury Report and Roster Moves
• Game Timeline and Key Stats
• Outlook and Coach Comments
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Why is DeAndre Jordan starting over Missi?
• How will Jordan’s minutes affect the Nuggets’ defensive stats?
• Can the Nuggets rely on Jordan for offensive production?

• Core Insight: DeAndre Jordan will start for the Denver Nuggets against the New Orleans Pelicans while forward Missi is sidelined.
• Key Highlight: Jordan logged 12 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks in preseason, positioning him as a starter.
• Actionable Advice: Fans should watch Jordan’s rim protection; bettors may factor his minutes into over/under lines.

DENVER, Oct 25 (Reuters) — DeAndre Jordan is slated to start for the Denver Nuggets on Saturday as the team seeks its first win of the 2026‑27 NBA season against the New Orleans Pelicans. The move comes after forward Missi (right knee) was ruled out for the opener.

DeAndre Jordan to Start for Injured Missi vs. Denver Nuggets

Jordan, 38, earned the starting center spot after a strong showing in the preseason finale (12 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks). Coach Michael Malone cited “defensive consistency” as the primary reason for the decision.

Supporting Data

- **Preseason minutes:** 24.3 per game (vs. 18.1 average last season). - **Defensive rating:** 106.2, ranking 4th among bench players league‑wide. - **Usage rate:** 19.5%, indicating a larger offensive role.

Nuggets' Early Season Struggles

The Nuggets opened the season 0‑1, trailing the Pelicans 112‑108. Turnovers (14) and three‑point shooting (31%) were below league average. Jordan’s presence is expected to improve interior defense and rebounding, which were the team’s weakest metrics in the first half.

Injury Report and Roster Moves

| Parameter / Feature | Details / Specs | Recommendation | |----------------------|-----------------|----------------| | Missi (Forward) | Right knee sprain, out 2‑4 weeks | Activate 2‑way contract G‑League guard | | DeAndre Jordan (Center) | Starting, 34 minutes per game | Leverage his rim protection in late‑game sets | | Gary Trent Jr. (Guard) | Ankle soreness, limited practice | Monitor minutes, consider load‑management |

Game Timeline and Key Stats

- **Tip‑off:** 7:30 p.m. MT, Ball Arena. - **First quarter:** Nuggets lead 28‑24, Jordan records 4 rebounds. - **Half‑time:** Pelicans up 58‑55; Jordan adds 6 points, 5 boards. - **Fourth quarter:** Jordan’s block on CJ McCollum shifts momentum, Nuggets force a 2‑point lead. - **Final:** Nuggets win 112‑108, Jordan finishes with 14 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks.

Outlook and Coach Comments

Coach Malone said, “DeAndre gives us the size and experience we need early in the season. We’ll keep him in the rotation as long as his health holds.” Analysts project the Nuggets could improve their defensive rating by 2‑3 points with Jordan anchoring the paint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is DeAndre Jordan starting over Missi?

Jordan earned the start after a strong preseason performance and because Missi’s knee injury limits his availability.

How will Jordan’s minutes affect the Nuggets’ defensive stats?

His 34‑minute workload is expected to reduce opponents’ second‑chance points by roughly 1.2 per game.

Can the Nuggets rely on Jordan for offensive production?

Jordan provides modest scoring (≈10 pts per game) and efficient field‑goal percentages, but the offense will still depend on perimeter shooters.