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Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic vs the Memphis Grizzlies (Image via Getty)
The Memphis Grizzlies head to Ball Arena on Wednesday, April 8, for a late-season meeting with the Denver Nuggets, and the two teams enter this game in very different situations. Memphis is near the bottom of the Western Conference standings and using the final stretch to evaluate young talent while dealing with a long injury list.Denver, meanwhile, is focused on sharpening its rotation before the playoffs. With Nikola Jokić leading a healthy core group, the Nuggets are trying to maintain rhythm, build chemistry, and secure momentum for the postseason.
Memphis Grizzlies injury report and available rotation vs Denver Nuggets (April 8, 2026)
Memphis Grizzlies are severely short-handed, with several regular contributors sidelined.
| Player | Status | Injury / Reason |
| Santi Aldama (F) | Out | Right knee; surgery recovery |
| Brandon Clarke (F) | Out | Right calf; strain |
| Zach Edey (C) | Out | Left ankle and elbow; surgery recovery |
| GG Jackson (F) | Out | Left knee; soreness |
| Ty Jerome (G) | Out | Left ankle; sprain |
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (G/F) | Out | Right 5th-finger surgery recovery |
| Ja Morant (G) | Out | Left elbow; UCL sprain |
| Scotty Pippen Jr. (G) | Out | Right great toe; surgery recovery |
| Olivier-Maxence Prosper (G/F) | Doubtful | Right ankle; soreness |
| Javon Small (G) | Out | Left thigh; contusion |
| Cam Spencer (G) | Out | Low back; soreness |
| Jaylen Wells (F) | Out | Right great-toe; surgery recovery |
Taylor Hendricks, Toby Okani, Walter Clayton Jr., and Rayan Rupert are expected to handle bigger roles.
Jaren Jackson Jr. remains Memphis’ defensive anchor. Cedric Coward, if cleared, gives them another two-way option.
Denver Nuggets injury report and healthy core vs Memphis Grizzlies (April 8, 2026)
Denver Nuggets are in much better shape health-wise.
| Player | Status | Injury / Reason |
| Spencer Jones (F) | Out | Right hamstring; strain |
| Peyton Watson (G/F) | Out | Right hamstring; strain |
Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valančiūnas are all available. Bruce Brown, Jalen Pickett, KJ Simpson, and Zeke Nnaji could also see added minutes because Memphis is so depleted.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Denver Nuggets Current roster strengths and head-to-head trend
For Memphis, core names still under contract include Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Cedric Coward, Taylor Hendricks, GG Jackson, Ty Jerome, and Jahmai Mashack.Denver’s main group features Jokić, Murray, Gordon, Cameron Johnson, Braun, Hardaway Jr., and Valančiūnas.The Nuggets have won two of three meetings against Memphis this season. Denver has scored more than 120 points regularly in the matchup, while Memphis has struggled to slow Jokić inside and Denver’s secondary scorers on the perimeter.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Denver Nuggets Team stats and biggest matchup angles
- Memphis (25-54, 12th West): 115.0 PPG | 42.2 RPG | 28.0 APG | 14.7 TOV | 120.0 points allowed- Denver (51-28, 3rd West): 121.8 PPG | 43.6 RPG | 28.9 APG | 12.1 TOV | 117.0 points allowedJa Morant is Memphis Grizzlies’ offensive leader when healthy, but with him out, Cedric Coward has taken on more scoring responsibility. Jaren Jackson Jr. leads the defense with rim protection.Jokić is averaging 28.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.9 assists.
Murray adds around 25 points per game, while Aaron Gordon is close to 20.Main storylines include Jokić attacking Memphis’ thin frontcourt, Denver’s guards pressuring Memphis ball-handlers, and the Nuggets bench exploiting Memphis’ lack of depth.
Final outlook: Denver holds the clear advantage
Denver Nuggets enter as the strong favorite at home. The Nuggets are healthier, deeper, and have the best player on the floor in Jokić. Memphis needs strong interior defense from Jaren Jackson Jr. and fast-paced transition opportunities to stay competitive against a much stronger Denver lineup.
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