Denver struggled against a depleted Lakers team, and coach Michael Malone has to walk a fine line between urgency and rest.

“I’m asking for clarification because I want to be able to help my guys,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said after a game in which the Bulls relentlessly went full-speed at Denver in transition.

the Nuggets give themselves a chance to beat the Bulls, but they will need their new starters to step up in their absence. The Nuggets and Bulls face off at 9 p.m. EST on Monday in Denver.

Tre Jones is out with a left midfoot sprain, and E.J. Liddell is out due to his two-way contract. The Denver Nuggets and Chicago Bulls will face off at 9:00 p.m. EST.