If you thought Nikola Jokic‘s season couldn’t get better- he’s gone and set another all-time record that isn’t gonna break for a minute. The Nuggets’ OT win over the the Suns saw him record the first-ever triple-double with 30+ points and 20+ rebounds and assists. Well, they’re facing table-topping OKC Thunder next, and he’ll need all the tricks up his sleeve to get it over the line against the best of the West.
The clash feels like an informal decider of who gets the MVP- Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But amidst them getting the spotlight, Jamal Murray has slowly been creeping in unforeseen stats as well. It’s not a one-man sport. The Nuggets wouldn’t be 3rd in the West if not for the supporting cast which Murray deserves an Oscar. But will the stars appear for the Thunders game?
Nuggets injury report and predicted lineup
You’d be on top of the world if you’d set a record. What did Jokic have to say after his 31-21-22 game? “I’d lie to my grandchildren about tonight. They didn’t follow up the stats- I had more.” Clearly doubling down on why he’s the class clown while also being outright insane in his numbers. Alongside averaging a triple-double a game this season, he’s only missed 6 games this season. Luckily for the Mile High City faithful, that number will remain at 6 as he’s set to play vs the Thunder.
Denver’s longstanding guard himself has been proving his worth in the 5 as well. The Blue Arrow has coughed up a career-high 21.4 PPG, along with 6.1 APG while shooting 47.6% from the field. His work in OT vs the Suns was unbelievable. Like Jokic, Jamal’s fitness has been on top form this season, only missing 7 games of the Nuggets’ 63. And just like Jokic, that number won’t change for Murray either as he’s set to play against Oklahoma City.
It’s still early days for the rest of the team’s status to be updated. The only two confirmed absentees for tonight are center DaRon Holmes II and guard Julian Strawther.
Dec 23, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and guard Jamal Murray (27) on the bench in the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Holmes has been struggling with his Achilles all season and hasn’t even played a minute of NBA basketball yet after being drafted earlier this season. Michael Malone did say that he participated in Wednesday’s practice ahead of the Suns, the team that initially brought him into the league before trading him to the Nuggets. Unfortunately for him, he’s out for the Thunder game as well.
It was announced a few days ago that Strawther’s set to miss the next four weeks before his knee gets re-evaluated. He’s averaged nearly 10 PPG in just 22.1 minutes on average this season, so his absence will be greatly missed in the backend. He’s out for the match in Paycom Center tonight as well.
That being said, this is the Nuggets’ predicted lineup:
Point Guard
Jamal Murray
Shooting Guard
Christian Braun
Power Forward
Aaron Gordon
Small Forward
Michael Porter Jr.
Center
Nikola Jokic
Coach Malone has enough firepower in his hands to inflict the Thunder their first defeat in 7 with Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray fit. They face off at the Paycom Center in the first of a twofer. The last head-to-head saw the Nuggets victorious. Will tonight have the same outcome?
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