The Denver Nuggets have already made headlines this week after shockingly firing head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth with just three games left in the regular season. Now, as they travel to face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, all eyes are on who will actually suit up—especially with the postseason looming and seeding still up in the air.
With a four-game losing streak threatening to derail their playoff momentum, the Nuggets need every ounce of help they can get. And while Nikola Jokic is expected to be back in the mix, the status of Jamal Murray remains the big mystery. Will Denver’s dynamic duo reunite tonight, or will Murray miss yet another critical game?
Will Jamal Murray suit up or sit out? Nuggets injury woes hit crunch time
The good news first: Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun have officially been cleared to play after battling injuries over the past few weeks. That’s a major win for Denver, heading into one of their most important matchups of the season.
But Jamal Murray? That’s where things get complicated. The star point guard has been listed as doubtful due to persistent right hamstring inflammation, putting him in serious jeopardy of missing his sixth straight game. And honestly, it’s starting to feel like Denver’s playoff hopes are being held hostage by that hamstring.
Murray has already missed five consecutive games during this recent slump, and Denver’s offense has clearly felt the impact. He’s averaging 21.6 points and 6 assists this season on an efficient 47.6% shooting from the field and nearly 40% from deep. Without his steady playmaking and perimeter shot creation, the Nuggets have looked disjointed, relying too heavily on Jokic to carry the entire load.
Injury Report ahead of tomorrow’s game against the Kings:
DOUBTFUL:
Jamal Murray (Right Hamstring Inflammation)
OUT:
DaRon Holmes II (Right Achilles Tendon Repair)#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/684PEe3V6g
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 9, 2025
Fans online are growing anxious, with one posting, “Really hope he hasn’t played his last game as a Nugget.” While that might be a bit dramatic, it speaks to the rising concern around Murray’s long-term health and what it means for Denver’s title chances. If the Nuggets are going to make another deep postseason run, they’ll need him back—and fast.
As for other injuries, rookie DaRon Holmes remains out for the season with an Achilles injury. The Kings, meanwhile, are dealing with their own setbacks: Jake LaRavia is out with a thumb injury, Keegan Murray is sidelined with back soreness, and Malik Monk won’t play due to a calf strain.
The Michael Malone revenge game?
Now here’s a spicy little subplot: tonight’s matchup marks the first time the Nuggets face the Kings after firing the guy Sacramento originally gave his first NBA head coaching job to. Yes, Michael Malone’s coaching career started in Sacramento, and now Denver plays the Kings right after giving him the boot. Talk about full circle, right?
Even without Malone on the sideline, this has the feel of a revenge game—but not necessarily for him. The players will be fired up to prove they’re still a championship-caliber squad, with or without their longtime coach. And you can bet Nikola Jokic will be out to make a statement. He’s already been unstoppable against the Kings this season, averaging a near triple-double in their previous three meetings—all Nuggets wins.
May 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) look on during a free throw against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game three of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
And don’t sleep on Russell Westbrook either. With Jamal Murray likely sidelined again, Westbrook could step into a starting role. He dropped 25 points in their last matchup against Sacramento, including seven straight during a fourth-quarter run that sealed the comeback win.
So, is Jamal Murray playing tonight? It’s looking doubtful—but don’t count Denver out just yet. With Jokic back, Westbrook finding his rhythm, and the rest of the roster finally healthy, the Nuggets still have enough firepower to take care of business against a desperate Kings team. But let’s be real—if they’re going to make noise in the playoffs, they’ll need Murray back in action ASAP. Until then, it’s hold-your-breath time in Denver.
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