Nuggets' Christian Braun: Posts quiet stat line in Game 1 win
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Braun posted one point (0-4 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, one assist and four steals in 14 minutes during Saturday's 125-107 win over the Suns in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
These are not garbage-time numbers. Despite Braun's inability to contribute offensively, his ballhawking and energy generated numerous turnovers throughout the game for Denver. The rookie has averaged 12.8 minutes per contest thus far in the playoffs.
Braun isn't starting Game 1 of the Western Conference First Round against Minnesota on Sunday, Alan Horton of the Timberwolves Radio Network reports.
Braun started three of the Nuggets' final six regular-season games this year but will be on the bench for the start of the playoffs since the team's regular starters are all available. He's averaged 4.1 points and 2.3 rebounds in 14.3 minutes per game off the bench this year.
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Nuggets' Christian Braun: Starting Sunday
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Braun will move into the first unit for Sunday's game versus Sacramento.
The Nuggets are resting their entire starting lineup for Sunday's regular-season finale, so Braun will get the spot start and be joined by Bruce Brown, Peyton Watson, Vlatko Cancar and DeAndre Jordan. In his previous five starts this season, Braun has averaged 13.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.8 treys, 1.0 steals and 1.2 turnovers per contest on 56.8 percent shooting.
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Nuggets' Christian Braun: Coming off bench Saturday
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Braun will come off the bench for Saturday's game against the Jazz.
Braun will come off the bench with the Nuggets' usual starters all getting the nod. However, he should still see extended run, especially in the second half. Over the past five games, Braun has averaged 9.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.2 assists in 24.8 minutes.
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Nuggets' Christian Braun: Another encouraging performance
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Braun totaled 15 points (6-11 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), four rebounds, three assists and two steals in 33 minutes during Thursday's 119-115 loss to the Suns.
Braun filled in as a starter Thursday, joining a host of second-stringers as the Nuggets sat their primary pieces. With Denver having secured top spot in the Western Conference, Braun could find himself on the 12-team radar once again Saturday. He possesses the ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, giving him increased appeal for those still alive in their fantasy leagues.
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Nuggets' Christian Braun: Starting Thursday
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Braun will be in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Suns, Mike Singer of The Denver Post reports.
Braun will be joined in the first unit by Reggie Jackson, Bruce Brown, Peyton Watson and DeAndre Jordan. Over four starts this season, Braun has registered averages of 12.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.8 triples and 0.8 steals per contest on 57.6 percent shooting.
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Nuggets' Christian Braun: Gets starting nod
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Braun will move into the starting lineup Friday against the Suns, Kellan Olson of ArizonaSports.com reports.
Reggie Jackson will start alongside Braun in the backcourt, with Jamal Murray resting and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope out with an illness. Braun is typically a low-usage defender for the Nuggets, but he's coming off an 11-point outing versus the Pelicans, and there are a lot of shots up for grabs Friday night.
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Nuggets' Christian Braun: Efficient outing in loss
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Braun ended Friday's 100-93 loss to Phoenix with 11 points (4-6 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-3 FT), five rebounds, one assist and one steal in 29 minutes.
Braun drew a spot start with Denver down numerous regulars for the second half of a back-to-back set. The rookie was solid in the expanded role, scoring in double figures for a second straight game and grabbing his most rebounds since Feb. 11. The Nuggets are expected to be back at full strength when they return to action Tuesday in Houston, and if that's the case, Braun's brief increased fantasy value will likely come to an end.
Braun contributed zero points (0-2 FG, 0-1 3Pt) across 18 minutes during Saturday's 129-106 victory over the Bucks.
Braun missed both of his shot attempts and failed to make any other tallies in the box score across 18 minutes during Saturday's blowout win. This marks Braun's third straight scoreless outing, so barring numerous injuries, fantasy managers can safely leave the rookie on the wavier wire for the final weeks of the regular season.
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Nuggets' Christian Braun: Shines in 20-minute performance
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Braun registered nine points (3-6 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, one block and two steals over 20 minutes during Thursday's 119-100 victory over Detroit.
Braun continues to impress, logging 20 minutes for the first time in three weeks. His playing time is on the rise, coinciding with Reggie Jackson basically falling out of the rotation. There isn't enough here for Braun to be considered a pickup in standard formats, but those in deeper leagues should at least put him on the radar.
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Nuggets' Christian Braun: Plays four minutes in blowout
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Braun ended with zero points (0-1 FG) and one assist in four minutes during Wednesday's 117-96 loss to Chicago.
Braun has mostly fallen out of the rotation recently, totaling just 11 minutes over Denver's last five games. With Denver back to full strength, Reggie Jackson, Bruce Brown and Jeff Green have operated as the Nuggets' top reserves.
Nuggets' Christian Braun: Dealing with thumb issue
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Braun is probable for Sunday's matchup against the Clippers due to a left thumb contusion.
The issue shouldn't impact Braun's availability, but it may impact his effectiveness. He's played at least 20 minutes in six of Denver's last nine contests (one start) and has averaged 8.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 steals in 23.6 minutes during that stretch.
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Nuggets' Christian Braun: Available Sunday
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Braun (thumb) is available for Sunday's game against the Clippers.
Braun dealt with a left thumb contusion ahead of Sunday's matchup but will be able to suit up after being listed as probable. He's come off the bench in his last seven appearances and has averaged 6.7 points and 3.3 rebounds in 20.9 minutes per game during that time.
Braun finished Saturday's 119-105 victory over the Hornets with 11 points (5-8 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds and four steals over 27 minutes.
Braun helped a shorthanded Nuggets team to a win Saturday night with some impressive defensive numbers. The rookie guard set a new career high with four steals while matching his career high in rebounds. Both Jamal Murray (knee) and Aaron Gordon (hip) were out for this game, so the boost in minutes for Braun is likely temporary, but it should be noted that he's racked up 11 steals over his past six contests.
