Jokic plays, qualifies for MVP as Nuggets rest

TheDenver Nuggetsruled out the majority of their usual rotation for the second straight game ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against theSan Antonio Spurs.

One notable exception was three-time MVPNikola Jokic, who played the first half. Jokic needed to log at least 15 minutes Sunday to be eligible for postseason awards. He finished the first half with 23 points and eight rebounds in 18 minutes before being shut down for the rest of the game.

The Nuggets' decision to prioritize health and rest heading into the postseason could have several downstream effects on the standings. Denver enters the games as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference at 53-28 but could swap places with the No. 4-seededLos Angeles Lakers(52-29) with an L.A. win over Utah on Sunday and a Nuggets loss. The Lakers hold the tiebreaker over the Nuggets thanks to somelate-game heroics in an overtime winlast month.

The Nuggets will be withoutJamal Murray,Aaron Gordon,Cameron JohnsonandChristian Braunon Sunday after all four players -- and Jokic -- missed Friday's 127-107 win over Oklahoma City.Tim Hardaway Jr., who played vs. the Thunder, is also out.Peyton WatsonandSpencer Jones, who each have missed the past several games because of right hamstring strains, are out as well.

The Spurs, meanwhile, were mostly fully healthy outside of superstarVictor Wembanyama, who was ruled out. Wembanyama already clinched eligibility for postseason awards by playing Friday. The Spurs are locked in as the No. 2 seed in the West, but could help force the Nuggets into Oklahoma City's playoff bracket with a win.

As the No. 3 seed, the Nuggets would play theMinnesota Timberwolvesin the first round of the playoffs. If they fall to No. 4, they will host theHouston Rockets.