Cameron Johnson

The Nuggets won't have Cameron Johnson (ankle) for Monday's game, which frees up a spot in the starting lineup. They've decided to go big, with Valanciunas joining the starters. Since Murray and Jokic are also available, JV offers limited fantasy upside.

Denver will be shorthanded yet again, and the absences of Johnson and Jones should free up additional minutes for Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown.

Johnson is out for Monday's game against Utah with right ankle inflammation.

Johnson (ankle) said after Sunday's 117-108 loss to the Timberwolves that he's not optimistic about his chances of playing Monday in Utah, Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports.

Filipowski recorded a solid stat line against the Nuggets, but Denver's lineup change may have protected him defensively. With Jonas Valanciunas starting for the injured Cameron Johnson, the Jazz were able to place Filipowski on him while EJ Harkless defended Nikola Jokic. While it may not result in increased production in the steal and blocked shot categories, the Jazz will hope to see Filipowski make some strides defensively over the final month of the regular season.