The Denver Nuggets pulled off an incredible feat on Monday, January 5, beating the Philadelphia 76ers without their entire starting five from the beginning of the season. They may be getting one of those starters back against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, January 7.
Jamal Murray has been upgraded to questionable with a left ankle sprain on the official injury report, after he was held out of Monday’s game with the same injury. The last time he played was on Sunday, January 4 against the Brooklyn Nets, and he had 27 points, six rebounds and 16 assists on 47.8% shooting from the field and 14.3% shooting from beyond the arc.
Murray is averaging a career-high 25.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 7.2 assists while shooting 48% from the field and 44.7% from three this season.
Is Jamal Murray Playing Tonight?
Murray suffered a right ankle injury earlier this season against the Dallas Mavericks, forcing him to leave the game early, but his current designation is for his left ankle. His questionable status after not playing on Monday means there is a good chance he will suit up against the Celtics, but it will be worth monitoring the guard throughout the day.
Denver won’t take any chances with Murray if he is not feeling 100%. The Nuggets will likely evaluate him pregame before making a final decision on his status. If Murray is out again tonight, Bruce Brown will likely start in his place.
Christian Braun (left ankle sprain), Aaron Gordon (right hamstring strain) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (illness management) are also questionable for tonight. Nikola Jokic (left knee bone bruise), Cameron Johnson (right knee bone bruise) and Jonas Valanciunas (right calf strain) remain out.
Denver Nuggets Now Have A Timeline For Nikola Jokic
Jokic’s injury, which he sustained against the Miami Heat on Monday, December 29, was a critical blow for Denver, as the center was having another MVP-caliber season. The team now has a rough timeline for his return, as Denver is targeting the All-Star break from Feb. 13–16.
Denver will rely mostly on Murray in the month or so ahead of Jokic’s return. The guard is having his best NBA season and looks primed for his first All-Star selection.
The Nuggets will face the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks to close out this week before traveling to play the New Orleans Pelicans and Mavericks at the beginning of next week.
Nuggets Receive Major Injury Update On Jamal Murray