Deadspin: Nuggets’ lineup intact as they look to defend home court against Blazers

Denver gets its starters back

Johnson returned Friday after injuring his right ankle in the season opener at Oklahoma City. He had played 11 minutes in that game, and his appearance against Phoenix was his first full game back.

Braun makes open shots count

Braun led the way with a career-high 31 points against Phoenix, shooting 7-for-9 from 3-point range. Denver has encouraged the fifth-year guard to be more aggressive when defenses focus on Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic.

Murray praised Braun for continuing to shoot through missed attempts. Braun said taking open shots would make things easier for his teammates in the playoffs.

Portland adjusts without Morant

Deni Avdija scored 24 points and Damian Lillard had 22 in Saturday’s win at Utah, while Scoot Henderson added 14. Henderson has been inconsistent, scoring 15 in the opener and 15 total over the next three games, and is now in the starting lineup with Morant sidelined.

Home form remains a question

The Trail Blazers are 3-0 on the road, while Denver has had mixed results in its two home games. The Nuggets came back from 23 points down to beat New Orleans in their home opener, then lost by 20 to Golden State the following night.

Portland coach Micah Nori, in his first year with the team, has encouraged Henderson to play freely. Henderson said he views Nori as a supportive mentor and intends to keep working through what he called a slow start.