David Adelman, in his first game as interim coach of the Denver Nuggets, made a significant decision by reducing Russell Westbrook's playing time dramatically. On the court against the Sacramento Kings, Westbrook logged only 16 minutes, a stark contrast to his season average of 28 minutes. This decision came amid a four-game losing streak for the Nuggets, and many observers noted the positive transformation in team dynamics following Westbrook’s diminished role.

Under Adelman, the Nuggets not only snapped their losing streak but also displayed improved team cohesion, particularly through the performance of Jalen Pickett, who scored 18 points in an expanded role. The coaching change appears to have been a necessary step to restore accountability among players, as previous coach Michael Malone faced criticism for allegedly giving Westbrook special treatment despite his inconsistent play. Adelman’s bold move could signify a pivotal shift in the Nuggets' approach as they head into the playoff push.

The Denver Nuggets, under interim coach David Adelman, secured a crucial 124-116 victory against the Sacramento Kings, snapping a four-game losing streak. This win comes in the immediate aftermath of the shocking dismissal of head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, raising questions about the team's direction. Nikola Jokić delivered a standout performance, recording his NBA-high 33rd triple-double of the season with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. His contributions were paramount in a game that felt secondary to the internal struggles of the organization following the coaching changes.

Russell Westbrook's minutes have become a point of contention within the Nuggets’ leadership, evident as he struggled with only five points on a disappointing 2-of-11 shooting. The firing of Malone, who led the team to its first NBA title just two seasons ago, signals a significant shift in the organization’s approach amid their attempts to navigate a tumultuous season while maintaining playoff competitiveness.

In a shocking move, the Denver Nuggets have terminated head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth just before the NBA playoffs. Despite leading the team to its first championship in 2023 and currently sitting fourth in the Western Conference, Nuggets president Josh Kroenke cited worrying trends that emerged during the season. The firing comes after a mid-season slump that saw the team’s performance dip significantly, raising concerns about a potential early playoff exit.

Malone's relationship with Booth was strained, particularly regarding roster strategies, with Malone favoring veterans while Booth pushed for younger talent. The Nuggets, who started strong this season, fell to a 10-14 record post All-Star break, prompting ownership to seek a fresh direction in hopes of capitalizing on their playoff potential.

Today's NBA DFS picks are dominated by must-have players as the regular season winds down and teams jockey for playoff positioning. Nikola Jokic stands out, boasting an impressive average of over a 40-point triple-double in his last six games, making him a top priority for lineups. Shaedon Sharpe is also highlighted, especially with Deni Avdija likely out, allowing Sharpe to take on a more significant scoring role against the Utah Jazz, who are the worst in terms of defense against shooting guards. James Harden is another key player to consider, coming off a strong performance and facing a Houston team that should keep the game competitive.

For value picks, Kyle Anderson and Jalen Smith offer affordable options with high upside, particularly if their respective teams are missing key players. Kris Murray emerges as one of the best value plays, given Portland's injury woes, which should ensure him plenty of minutes. Players like Immanuel Quickley and Keyonte George are also poised to shine with favorable matchups, especially as injuries pile up on other teams.

In a shocking development, the Denver Nuggets have parted ways with head coach Michael Malone after ten successful seasons, marking the end of his historic run that included a franchise-first NBA title. Malone's journey in Denver began in 2015, quickly earning recognition for his leadership with stars like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. His coaching milestones included solidifying Jokic as the starting center, guiding the team through playoff appearances, and ultimately winning the championship in 2023. Despite a promising tenure, tensions surfaced following a disappointing playoff exit in 2024, leading to his eventual dismissal.