Joffrey Lauvergne (back) is not expected to play Thursday against the Jazz, Chris Dempsey of the Denver Post reports.

Lauvergne (back) isn't expected to play Thursday against the Jazz, Chris Dempsey of the Denver Post reports.

Analysis:

Lauvergne wasn't able to suit up against the Lakers on Tuesday after succumbing to a back injury in the Nuggets' previous game, and it appears he needs some more recovery time. If Nikola Jokic, who is also coming off a back injury, is active Thursday, he could get the start in place of Lauvergne, with J.J. Hickson likely to gobble up any additional minutes at center.