Meanwhile, Caldwell-Pope’s replacement in the Denver starting lineup had an exceptional showing in Orlando. Christian Braun went for 20 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and a block. It was his sixth career 20-point game and his second this week.

Christian Braun has provided a spark for the Denver Nuggets, as his production is the best of his career. He slid into the starting lineup after the Nuggets let Kentavious Caldwell-Pope leave in free agency.

Former Kansas Jayhawk Christian Braun recorded a 20-point double-double in the Denver Nuggets’ 119-105 win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday. Braun tallied 20 points and 11 rebounds in 36 minutes as Denver improved to 26-16 overall following the road victory in Orlando.

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Russell Westbrook has displayed extraordinary chemistry with Nikola Jokic. But if he remains a starter for the Nuggets once they’re at full strength, who won’t?

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So often in matchups like these, a primetime matchup against a rival, the team that “wants it” more and brings more energy and aggression to the game is the one that takes it. Against the Timberwolves last year, the Nuggets were too often back on their heels receiving haymaker after haymaker in the form of forced turnovers and transition points.

Braun racked up six points (3-6 FG, 0-1 3Pt), four rebounds and three blocks in 29 minutes during Tuesday's 118-99 victory over Dallas. Despite a quiet showing offensively, Braun made up for it with a season-high three blocks.

"Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf strain) intends to make his return today against the Dallas Mavericks after missing the previous nine games," Haynes reported. With a starting lineup of Westbrook, Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Gordon and Jokic, the Nuggets will be getting a glimpse of who they could roll out come playoff time.

Jamal Murray is back to playing good basketball. And the Nuggets will need him more than ever if they want to contend for a championship.

The Nuggets have been steadily ... That leaves Christian Braun, a third-year player and first-year starter who often operates as Denver’s lead defensive guard — a role Westbrook also occupies ...

The Denver Nuggets will battle the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday at the Target Center. It will be a Western Conference Semifinals rematch as we continue our NBA odds series and make a Nuggets-Timberwolves prediction and pick.