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Nuggets rest starters, Jokic logs 65th game

PUBLISHED Apr 11, 2026, 12:19 AM ET

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Denver — The Nuggets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 127-107 on Friday, extending an 11-game winning streak as reserves produced notable performances; Jonas Valanciunas had season highs of 23 points and 17 rebounds, Julian Strawther scored 22 and David Roddy added a season-high 21. They rested most starters for Sunday’s regular-season finale in San Antonio, prioritizing rest over seeding. San Antonio — Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic played the first half of Sunday’s finale to register his 65th game and meet NBA award-eligibility requirements; Denver needed a victory to secure the third seed. The announcement that Denver would rest starters shifted betting lines this week and left the Los Angeles Lakers positioned to overtake Denver in the standings depending on final-game outcomes.

By James Porter | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Denver defeated Oklahoma City 127-107 on Friday, extending an 11-game streak.
Oklahoma City had clinched the top overall seed earlier that week and rested starters.
Denver announced it would rest nearly all starters for the regular-season finale in San Antonio.
Bettors and markets shifted, making the Lakers favorites to claim the third seed if Denver lost.
Jokic played the first half of the finale to record his 65th game and preserve eligibility.

News Intelligence

If you're a Nuggets fan, this strategy could mean a fresher team for the playoffs. If you're a bettor, it's a reminder that late-season decisions can shift odds. Keep an eye on team announcements and adjust your bets accordingly.

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Who Benefited

By resting starters and using Jokic’s partial appearance, the Nuggets prioritized player health, secured award eligibility for Jokic, and gave reserves game experience while creating circumstances that could advantage the Los Angeles Lakers in seeding depending on results.

Who Impacted

Fans and stakeholders seeking final seeding clarity experienced uncertainty; the Nuggets risked dropping from third to fourth seed if they lost and the Lakers won, affecting first-round matchups and perceived competitive balance.

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