Denver Nuggets Starting Lineup: In-Depth Starting 5 Analysis 2026

Whether you are just a Denver Nuggets fan or are an avid sports bettor at a Colorado Sportsbook, the starting five for the Nuggets will deliver. Here, we take a closer look at the starting lineup and examine the strengths and weaknesses. With fan-favorite Jokic returning, Denver enthusiasts are hoping to cheer the team onto the Finals for a Championship win. Do the Nuggets starting 5 have what it takes?

Denver Nuggets Next Game Starting Lineup

After the summer break, managers and team coaches had to choose the starting five for the 2025-26 season. With talented players on the roster, the choice was to go with a retooled lineup following the departure of Michael Porter Jr. The starters have had success in past seasons and with the added Cam Johnson to the list, the Nuggets are strong contenders to add to the win column and head to the Finals.

Nuggets Starting 5

The Denver starting lineup is one of the strongest it has been in years. With a powerful offensive team, you will find some great Denver Nuggets odds at leading betting sites. With Jokic seeking his 4th MVP award and Jamal Murray shooting well, the Nuggets have been putting up some great numbers.

While there will be some substitutions to the starting five due to injury management, you can expect the players discussed here to have the most playing time. We look forward to the Nuggets taking on rival teams as they compete in the Western Conference.

Jamal Murray – Point Guard

Jamal Murray comes from Canada and attended the University of Kentucky. In his first season, he played 73 of 82 games and averaged 9.9 points, landing him a spot on the NBA’s All-Rookie Second-Team. With a career average of 6.5 assists and 21.2 points, Murray has been a key player and is one of the Nuggets starting 5.

Christian Braun – Shooting Guard

Braun took over as the starting shooting guard after the Nuggets sent Russell Westbrook to the bench. Braun puts up solid numbers and has performed well against rival teams. 

Cam Johnson – Small Forward

The Nuggets acquired Cam Johnson via trade from the Nets, sending Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn. Johnson brings elite three-point shooting (career 39.2% from deep) and defensive versatility to the starting lineup. His ability to space the floor creates more driving lanes for Murray and Jokic.

Aaron Gordon – Power Forward

Aaron Gordon is the power forward in the Denver Nuggets lineup. Denver got Gordon from the Magic after he played 7 seasons with Orlando. Gordon shoots over 50% from the field, though struggles with free throws, averaging just 60.8%. 

Nikola Jokic – Center

Standing 7 feet tall, Jokic is the powerhouse of the Nuggets starting 5. Jokic is a huge asset to the team and excels in passing, shooting and 3-point success. A 5-time All-Star, Jokic has led the Nuggets to many wins and has been the league MVP multiple times. He is also the highest paid Nuggets starter, earning over $50 million per year. Many sportsbook promos can be redeemed for bonus bets on Jokic props.

Denver Nuggets 6^th man

With Russell Westbrook not re-signed in the offseason, the primary bench contributors are Peyton Watson, Bruce Brown, and Julian Strawther. Watson provides defensive versatility and athleticism, Brown brings championship experience and two-way play, while Strawther offers floor spacing with his three-point shooting. The bench unit has shown promise but remains a work in progress as players adjust to new roles.

Strengths of the Nuggets Starting 5

With the offseason trade bringing Cam Johnson into the starting lineup, the Nuggets have improved their three-point shooting and defensive versatility. Johnson has mastered his role as a 3-and-D wing, hitting 39% from three while guarding multiple positions.

It goes without saying that Jokic will remain the starting center when healthy. The MVP delivers offensively and defensively and is one of the top players in the NBA. Murray and Porter have been key to the offense and with Jokic, they complete a high-scoring trio on the court.

The addition of Jonas Valanciunas to the roster has been a bold, yet successful decision. He provides reliable backup center minutes and allows the Nuggets to maintain their offensive identity when Jokic rests. The problem Denver faces is holes in the defense and starters have struggled to consistently sink three-pointers, though Johnson’s arrival has helped address the latter concern.

Challenges Facing Nuggets Starting Lineup

The Nuggets may have a string starting lineup, but there are many weaknesses. Despite the consistent performances by Jokic, the team struggles to make three-pointers. This is one thing where drastic improvement is needed if the team plans to head into the post-season. Key players like Porter and Murray have not been hitting from beyond the arc. When Westbrook stands in as a Nuggets starting 5, he also comes up short on the threes.

Aside from some issues on offense, the team is having a hard time finding their groove defensively. The team allows opponents to score high points, indicating a breakdown in defensive communication and rotations. Perimeter defense has been especially concerning as teams have been scoring an average of 13.4 three-pointers in each game. These are also key stats to keep in mind if you bet on NBA Colorado games.

The Nuggets starting lineup has also struggled with some injuries. When key players are out, the team has not performed well. Aaron Gordon has missed more than half the season with a calf injury and Nikola Jokic recently suffered an ankle injury, placing him on the day-to-day injured list. Unfortunately, the bench situation is not favorable for the Nuggets and players stepping in to fill spots have not been able to keep pace with the remaining Nuggets starters.

Denver Nuggets Front Office Overview

Nuggets Head Coach – David Adelman

David Adelman is in his first year as head coach after being promoted from lead assistant when Michael Malone departed. Adelman led the team to a strong start before injury woes hit the roster. Working on the development of the Nuggets starting 5 has been the main focus for Adelman, which has proven successful when the team is healthy.

Lead Assistant Coach – Ryan Saunders

Malone’s right-hand man, Saunders has helped strengthen the team through his leadership experience. He has worked with the Orlando Magic and Timberwolves in the past. During his time with the Nuggets, Saunders has stepped into the head coach role when needed. He entered the NBA in 2009 as a player development coach and this experience has been useful while working with the younger players in the Denver lineup.

Nuggets General Manager – Calvin Booth

Calvin Booth is the General Manager of the team and had played in the NBA for 10 seasons. In 2017, he became the assistant GM for the Nuggets and in 2020, was named the GM. He has an amazing eye for talent and added Braun to the Nuggets lineup. His choices as GM have added a steady offense, proven by the Nuggets’ first Championship win in 2023.

Outlook for the Denver Nuggets Starting 5

After losing in the playoffs to end the 2025 season, the Nuggets had to strongly consider the starting lineup for the next season. With Jokic being the focal point, the Nuggets made a significant trade to bring in Cam Johnson for floor spacing. Murray is a solid player when he is healthy, and Gordon is an energetic athlete who has much-needed defensive skills. Throw in Johnson and Braun and the Nuggets have a team that could easily win the Finals. However, with possible injuries and a bench that is not as strong as we would like, Denver will still face some battles throughout the season. Can the new bench unit fill the role the Nuggets need? The early returns show promise, but health will be the determining factor.

Conclusion

The Nuggets starting 5 is considered one of the best in the league when healthy. However, concerns remain with the bench and injury management. If starters are not able to remain healthy or suffer injuries, Adelman must turn to the bench. Luckily, Valanciunas has been able to step up as a reliable backup center, and Watson’s development provides hope. Coaches and fans are happy with the starting five performance when intact, and believe this team has the magic needed to go straight to the Finals, provided they can stay healthy down the stretch.

FAQ of Denver Nuggets Starting 5