What happened: Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Strawther remains sidelined following a left knee sprain diagnosed in October that carries an estimated six-week recovery timeline.
Why it matters: Denver enters at 5-4 and 10th in the Western Conference after dropping a 110-100 decision to the Houston Rockets. Memphis sits at 7-3 following a 118-102 victory over Toronto. Strawther's ongoing absence continues to test Denver's backcourt rotation against a surging conference rival.
By the numbers: Memphis is 7-3 through 10 games (7th seed) following a 118-102 road win in Toronto. Denver is 5-4 through nine games (10th seed) after falling 110-100 in Houston.
What to watch: The Nuggets host the Grizzlies on Wednesday night as Memphis seeks a second straight road victory.