Denver Nuggets return to Ball Arena with a new starting five

Why it matters: The Nuggets' championship window is narrowing after losing key contributors to their 2023 title run.

• The team will need major contributions from its young players for a chance at another title.

What they're saying: The team is looking for a strong start, and Jokić didn't mince words about their poor preseason play.

• "The defense was not what it was supposed to be," he recently told reporters. 

Between the lines: If Jokić continues his dominance, he could become just the sixth player in NBA history to win four or more MVP awards, joining an elite class that includes LeBron James and Michael Jordan. 

The big picture: After an ankle injury cost Jamal Murray, the team's second-leading scorer, several games late last season, staying healthy will be key.

• Aaron Gordon could get a confidence boost since inking a four-year contract extension worth $133 million, while Michael Porter Jr. will look to improve his scoring after his numbers dipped last season. 

Zoom in: Christian Braun joins the starting five after Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's departure — a tall task for the third-year player, who replaces what many considered the team's best defender.

The intrigue: Russell Westbrook, an enigmatic star who won league MVP honors seven years ago, joins the Nuggets after four uneventful seasons split with the two Los Angeles teams.

• It's hard to say how impactful Westbrook will be as Murray's backup, but he's expected to put up some valuable minutes and offer a spark off the bench.

The bottom line: "Jokić will be counted on to do perhaps even more this season," ESPN wrote after naming him the No. 1 in its player rankings.

• "But that might not even matter with Jokic's greatness."

What's next: Thursday's game tips off at 8pm on TNT.