Ryan Nembhard and Nolan Hickman, former Gonzaga Bulldogs guards, are set to showcase their skills together at the NBA Summer League with the Dallas Mavericks. Nembhard recently signed a two-way contract with the Mavs, while Hickman is expected to join him in Las Vegas. Both players will debut alongside several notable new talents, including top draft pick Cooper Flagg.

While Nembhard has secured his position, Hickman's journey is more precarious. Despite his impressive 44.5% shooting from beyond the arc last season, his size and skill set left him undrafted, pushing him to prove himself at the summer league. Alongside them, other Zags like Drew Timme and Anton Watson are also looking to carve out their NBA futures, making this a pivotal time for the Gonzaga alumni.

The Denver Nuggets have made a strategic move by hiring Jared Dudley as the top assistant coach under head coach David Adelman. This decision marks an exciting new chapter for the franchise as Adelman embarks on his first season. Dudley, who has experience coaching with the Dallas Mavericks, brings a wealth of knowledge after guiding the team to the NBA Finals in 2024. His hiring comes as part of Adelman’s restructuring of the coaching staff, which has already seen the addition of JJ Barea and Rodney Billups.

In another move, Vlatko Cancar will not return to the Nuggets, opting instead to pursue opportunities in Europe, potentially joining the EuroLeague club Olimpia Milano. Cancar's departure signifies a shift in the roster following Denver's championship run last season, where he played a role off the bench. As the Nuggets prepare for their Summer League practices, with assistant Andrew Munson at the helm, the organization seems poised for a fresh start.

The Brooklyn Nets and Denver Nuggets are set to clash in Colorado on Friday evening, each team dealing with significant injury challenges. The Nets will miss key players including Bojan Bogdanovic, Cameron Johnson, and D'Angelo Russell, along with others, leaving them with a depleted roster. Currently, the Nets sit at the 12th seed in the Eastern Conference, struggling with a 13-24 record and a three-game losing streak.

In contrast, the Denver Nuggets, positioned fourth in the Western Conference with a 21-15 record, will also face their own setbacks, missing Vlatko Cancar, PJ Hall, DaRon Holmes II, and Spencer Jones. Star player Nikola Jokic is questionable for the game, while Aaron Gordon is doubtful. Jokic, if he plays, would be a vital return, having recently missed two games due to illness, averaging impressive stats this season.

The Brooklyn Nets are grappling with a significant injury crisis as they prepare for a six-game road trip, with eight players listed as out. Key absentees include Bojan Bogdanovic, De'Anthony Melton, Trendon Watford, Dariq Whitehead, Maxwell Lewis, Cam Thomas, Cam Johnson, and D'Angelo Russell. This situation leaves the team struggling to maintain their scoring capabilities, having already faced difficulties in previous matchups.

On the other side, the Denver Nuggets are also dealing with their own injuries, with Vlatko Cancar, PJ Hall, Daron Holmes II, and Spencer Jones ruled out of the game. Aaron Gordon is doubtful due to a calf issue, and Nikola Jokic is questionable owing to illness, which could significantly impact the Nuggets’ performance. The Nets hope to capitalize on Denver's potential weaknesses, especially in the frontcourt, as they aim for a much-needed victory.

The Denver Nuggets are set to conclude their regular season series against the Los Angeles Clippers, following a convincing victory in their last matchup. The Nuggets triumphed over the Clippers with a 120-98 score, led by Jamal Murray's impressive performance of 20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals. However, as they prepare for this rematch, both teams are dealing with significant injury concerns.

The Clippers have five players on their injury report, including star forward Kawhi Leonard, who is away from the team due to personal reasons linked to the recent LA fires. Other players out include Kai Jones and Trentyn Flowers due to their two-way contracts, Cam Christie who is on a G League assignment, and P.J. Tucker, who is seeking a new team. Meanwhile, the Nuggets have six players listed, with Nikola Jokic's status being particularly scrutinized as he is questionable with an illness. Vlatko Cancar, Aaron Gordon, PJ Hall, and DaRon Holmes are confirmed out, while Spencer Jones is doubtful.