Nuggets must resist temptation and avoid costly, familiar mistake

The Nuggets must make sure the team is healthy and fresh for the playoffs, even if it means falling in the standings

Feb 11, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Lawson Lovering (34) passes the ball against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and guard Jamal Murray (27) in the fourth quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn ImagesMany things about this season have been drastically different than the previous two for the Nuggets, but as we are about to hit the All-Star break, an all too familiar conundrum has presented itself.

In each of the past two seasons, the Nuggets have played their starters heavy minutes down the stretch of the regular…