19Breakdown
Performance
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January 6, 2026
Another quiet showing
Holmes provided two points (1-4 FG, 0-3 3Pt), one rebound and four assists over 21 minutes during Monday's 125-124 overtime victory over the 76ers.
Analysis
Holmes was soundly outplayed by Zeke Nnaji, who tied a career high with 21 points off the bench Monday. Holmes has mostly squandered the opportunity left behind by Nikola Jokic's (knee) absence so far, averaging 5.5 points, 3.0 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 20.5 minutes per game in his last four outings (three starts).
January 3, 2026
Struggles in first career start
Holmes produced three points (1-6 FG, 1-4 3Pt), four rebounds and six assists across 24 minutes during Friday's 113-108 loss to the Cavaliers.
Analysis
Holmes picked up two fouls in his first three minutes, limiting him to just 24 minutes in the loss. While it wasn't the strongest performance, the fact that Holmes was given the starting nod was a real positive. With both Nikola Jokic (knee) and Jonas Valanciunas (calf) set to miss up to a month, it appears as though Holmes is going to have first crack at the starting job. If you added him in the past 24 hours, patience could be required.
January 3, 2026
Starting Friday vs. Cleveland
Holmes is in the Nuggets' starting lineup against the Cavaliers on Friday.
Analysis
Holmes will make his first NBA start Friday due to the absences of Jonas Valanciunas (calf) and Nikola Jokic (knee). Holmes should remain in Denver's starting five for as long as Valanciunas and Jokic are sidelined, which could persist into late January/early February. Holmes played 22 minutes during the Nuggets' 106-103 win over the Raptors on Wednesday and finished with 11 points, three rebounds, one assist and one block.
January 1, 2026
Could be set for big role at center
Holmes recorded 11 points (4-5 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), three rebounds, one assist and one block in 22 minutes Wednesday in the Nuggets' 106-103 win over the Raptors.
Analysis
The No. 22 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Holmes didn't make his professional debut last season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in the Las Vegas Summer League. Though he's been fully healthy in 2025-26, Holmes has thus far received most of his minutes in the G League and had been limited to three garbage-time appearances at the NBA level before getting his first meaningful playing time Wednesday. Holmes' expanded role came after Jonas Valanciunas -- who was making his first start in place of superstar Nikola Jokic (knee) -- was forced out of the game with 4:03 left in the third quarter due to a right calf strain. While the severity of Valanciunas' injury isn't yet known, calf strains often entail multi-week recoveries, and with Jokic not set to be re-evaluated until late January or early February, Holmes could be poised for an extended run as the Nuggets' top center. Denver could also incorporate Zeke Nnaji into the rotation and make more use of small-ball lineups that would suppress Holmes' playing time, but at the very least, the 23-year-old rookie looks like a worthwhile speculative pickup in most leagues with the likelihood that Valanciunas misses time.