Russell Westbrook is expected to return to the floor tonight for the Denver Nuggets. With him, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon all expected to play, the Nuggets are getting closer and closer to full strength.

How will that affect lineups and rotations? Will the Nuggets be able to learn enough in these final 27 games to become the best playoff team they can be?

What about the schedule? It’s surprisingly tough with 20 of the 27 games being played vs teams above 0.500 on the season. Are the Nuggets ready and capable to handle a tougher schedule while also getting the rest they need to be ready for the playoffs?

On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Denver Nuggets injury report and the implications of Russell Westbrook returning to the floor. How will Michael Malone and the Nuggets handle starting spots? What can Denver learn in the final 27 games?

Ryan discusses the health of the roster, some numbers behind Denver’s post All-Star break schedule, and previews tonight’s game against the Charlotte Hornets.

Pickaxe and Roll is a Nuggets podcast streamed live on YouTube every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10am MT. You can catch episodes live by subscribing to the Mile High Sports YouTube channel and turning on Bell Notifications.

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If you can’t catch Pickaxe and Roll live, listen to the audio version on the BLEAV Podcast Network, or download this podcast episode wherever you get podcasts.