Nuggets’ Julian Strawther exits Clippers preseason game with left knee injury, will not return

Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther exited Wednesday’s preseason finale at the LA Clippers in the third quarter with a left knee injury and will not return, Law Murray reported. He was listed as day-to-day with an estimated return of Oct. 16 pending further evaluation.

Justin Russo also reported that Strawther went to the locker room during the third quarter at Intuit Dome. Fantasy notes said his left knee bent awkwardly and left him in considerable pain, ending his night early. He had to be helped back to the locker room and did not return, finishing with 11 points, two rebounds and two turnovers in 19 minutes as Denver lost 122-110.

MRI set for Thursday

Strawther will undergo an MRI on his left knee on Thursday morning, Katy Winge reported after the game. No diagnosis has been announced yet, and the imaging should show whether the 24-year-old is dealing with a short-term sprain or something more serious.

Wing depth already thin

An extended absence would test Denver’s wing depth. Spencer Jones remains limited to non-contact work with a hamstring issue, Vinny Benedetto reported earlier this week, and DeMar DeRozan sat out Wednesday for rest. Strawther has been part of the second-unit mix as the Nuggets close preseason.

What comes next

Denver’s regular-season opener is next week. Denver closes its exhibition schedule Friday night at the Los Angeles Lakers, and the regular-season opener is next week. The Thursday imaging should determine whether Strawther has a realistic chance of being ready for Opening Night.