The Denver Nuggets are back in action tonight! Nikola Jokic and Co. will host the San Antonio Spurs less than 24 hours after a heartbreaking defeat against the Timberwolves. It was a tough matchup for the Nuggets last night as they brutally lost to Minnesota by just a single- Yes! a single point after double-overtime, 140-139. What made the loss even worse was Jokic’s incredible performance. The Nuggets’ big man had a spectacular 61-point triple-double last night, only to fall agonizingly short. Nonetheless, now the playoff-bound Nuggets will have to focus on the next task.
Normally, this would’ve been a star-studded heavyweight clash. However, with the Denver team that’s coming into this game after playing a double-overtime and a San Antonio team that’s missing several key players, the stakes are less. More so because the Spurs have lost five in a row and this hurt Nuggets team will pounce on any given opportunity. But Denver could also miss a significant amount of their fire-power. Because of fatigue and injuries. So, will Nikola Jokic play after suiting up for 53 minutes last night? And if not, who will replace the Joker?
Denver Nuggets injury report ahead of the Spurs showdown
It has been a tough past few hours for the Nuggets. Nonetheless, they don’t have much time to reflect upon the loss and try to bounce back against the Spurs. Heading into this game, fatigue will play a huge role, and Denver’s head coach, Michael Malone, might have to rest a few of his key players. So, will Nikola Jokic suit up for back-to-back games? Well, the good news is that Jokic is not on the injury report right now. This indicated that the 30-year-old might just be available for tonight’s game. After an incredible 61 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists triple-double, Jokic will be hungry for a win tonight!
Needless to say, without Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets are nowhere near their best. In fact, the struggle without him on the floor, their 4-7 record, shows how bad Denver performs without their franchise player. So, it’s great news that Jokic is fit for this clash tonight. More so, because Denver’s other superstar’s fitness is doubtful. Yes! Nuggets’ point guard Jamal Murray did not play in last night’s loss against Minnesota. So, is he ready for tonight? Nope. The 28-year-old is still struggling with an unfortunate hamstring injury. This will be a massive blow for the Nuggets who clearly missed Murray in last night’s loss.
Jan 18, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts with guard Jamal Murray (27) in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
This will be Murray’s third consecutive game on the sidelines. He’s been a key player for the team throughout the season, averaging 21.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and six assists. Without him on the floor, Denver lacks distribution and looks incomplete. Is this all the trouble Denver has to face? No. The Nuggets will be without another starter as forward Michael Porter Jr. will not play tonight. The 26-year-old is missing this matchup due to personal reasons. He’s another vital member of the team and will be missed in tonight’s action. Apart from the two starters, the Mile High City team will also be without two promising youngsters.
Denver will be without Julian Strawther and DaRon Holmes II. Strawther is unfortunately struggling with a knee injury and will be re-evaluated in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Holmes II is out for the rest of the season after a devastating Achilles heel injury. However, he’s making a comeback and has resumed portions of practice, which is incredible news for the 22-year-old center. After going through this long injury report, it makes you think, how will head coach Michael Malone navigate through this injury mine and grab a positive result tonight?
How can the Denver Nuggets’ starting five look tonight?
Despite missing Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., Michael Malone and the Denver faithful will take a sigh of relief at having Nikola Jokic by their side. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t miss the two starters; it will be a difficult task. But Russell Westbrook has been their go-to man whenever Murray is not available, and he’s more than capable of covering the point guard position. What about Porter Jr.? Peyton Watson could squeeze his way into the starting lineup tonight in place of the small forward.
So, here is how the Nuggets could start:
Position
Starter
PG
Russell Westbrook
SG
Christian Braun
SF
Peyton Watson
PF
Aaron Gordon
C
Nikola Jokic
Overall, this would’ve been the close game if the Spurs had not missed the likes of Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. With Nikola Jokic fit, especially after having a great game last night, the Nuggets are the favorites for this game. More so, because of San Antonio’s poor recent form. Nonetheless, fatigue could play a huge role, and who knows? The Spurs might pull off an upset. So, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top as both teams lock horns at the Ball Arena tonight.
The post Nuggets Injury Report: Will Nikola Jokic & Jamal Murray Play Tonight vs Spurs After Tough Overtime Loss vs Timberwolves? appeared first on EssentiallySports.
