Denver Nuggets vs LA Clippers: preview and player stats

Strawther (knee) was diagnosed with a left knee sprain Friday and will be re-evaluated in six weeks, Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports. Strawther suffered the injury in Wednesday's preseason game against the Clippers. The 24-year-old has appeared in 172 regular-season games for the Nuggets since entering the league in 2023, averaging 7.1 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists over 16.2 minutes per contest. He was in line to compete for an expanded role during the 2026-27 campaign. While that may be the case once Strawther is cleared to suit up, Tyus Jones and potentially Ryan Nembhard are candidates to receive more minutes in the interim.

Miller underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a torn left rotator cuff and will be re-evaluated in six months, per Law Murray of The Athletic. It's a tough break for Miller, who had an opportunity to battle for a reserve role during training camp in the fall. The timeline for a return is likely to keep him on the shelf until after the All-Star break. Miller's extended stay on the sidelines gives Kobe Sanders a chance to crack the Clippers' rotation.

Ingram (Achilles) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game at Phoenix, Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com reports. Ingram is nearing a return to action, though he won't make his season debut Tuesday. The veteran swingman's next opportunity to suit up will come Friday against Oklahoma City.

Beal (knee) will not be ready for the start of the regular season, NBA writer Justin Russo reports. Beal is dealing with knee inflammation that will keep him sidelined for Opening Night. While it's unclear how long the Clippers will be without the veteran guard, Darius Garland, Keaton Wagler and Kris Dunn should dominate the backcourt minutes in his absence. Beal's 2025-26 campaign was cut short by a hip injury after he averaged 8.2 points and 1.7 assists in 20.6 minutes across just six regular-season appearances.

Niederhauser (foot) is out for Tuesday's game against Phoenix, Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com reports. Niederhauser has yet to make an appearance this season for the Clippers while rehabbing from foot surgery. It's unclear at this time when he'll be available to take the court, and he can be considered week-to-week until further notice.

Christie (ankle) is listed as out for Tuesday's game against Phoenix. Christie will miss his fifth game of the 2026-27 campaign. The 21-year-old rookie has averaged only 6.0 minutes per contest in his five regular-season appearances, so his absence won't have much of an effect on the rotation.