The Denver Nuggets were lucky that the Lakers’ sudden rough patch helped them hold their fort in the West. After a good season, they went on a rollercoaster ride as now the Nuggets have 5-5 in their last ten games, hinting no one’s perfect, and their usual inconsistency. Their most recent defeat came against the Lakers on Wednesday as the Nuggets fell short, 120-108. Well, this might have been a result of them being without superstars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. The Joker’s value to the Nuggets cannot be overlooked. Even though they have other stars on their roster without Jokic, they don’t look anywhere near a top-seed team.
That was visible against the Lakers, who are a fellow playoff contention team. This marked the 26th defeat for the Nuggets who still hold the 3rd seed in the Western Conference, but are in a tough spot. They are closely chased by the Lakers to whom they lost on Wednesday and the Grizzlies. So, Malone’s men cannot afford to get too complacent, otherwise they might have to pay a hefty price. For that, they need Nikola Jokic back to lead the charge. So will he and Murray be available as the Nuggets hit the road to face the Trail Blazers tonight?
Denver Nuggets injury report before the Trail Blazers clash
The Nuggets have played two straight games without Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. While they were able to stun the Warriors, the Nuggets were put to place against the Lakers on Wednesday. With the regular season reaching its twilight phase, Denver needs to get Jokic and Murray back. However, it is again risky to rush their superstars. So, is Nikola Jokic fit to play tonight? Unfortunately, no. Jokic is set to miss a third straight game as the Nuggets take on the Trail Blazers. The Nuggets star, who otherwise hates to sit out, will be out due to a left ankle impingement injury.
This is just devastating news for the Nuggets who desperately want to win games. Moreover, this also is causing massive concerns in the minds of the fans with the playoffs approaching. Needless to say, the Nuggets superstar has been stellar this season. He’s averaging a triple-double! That’s just something any team in the world will miss. Jokic is averaging 29.1 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game. Without him on the court, Denver is 3-5 this season. This record speaks volumes! Having said that, they’ll have to tank this until he’s recovered fully. However, Denver’s worries don’t just end here! They’ve also been without their point guard, Jamal Murray.
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
The 28-year-old has also missed the last two games alongside Jokic piling up on his team’s misery. Murray has been out due to an ankle injury and is questionable for tonight’s game. Given the team’s desperation for a win, he might make a much-needed return tonight. The Nuggets’ point guard has been in great form averaging 21.5 points and 6.1 assists so, if he’s back that would be great for the team. But, even with Murray’s return, Denver still could be without two more starters. That’s because both Christian Braun and forward Aaron Gordon are also on the injury report. Braun has been struggling with a foot problem that has kept him on the sidelines, unfortunately.
Meanwhile, Gordon is suffering from an ankle/calf injury. Both these starters are questionable and could be absent tonight. At this rate, Denver might just be without their starting five on the court. The worry ends here? No. Guard Julian Strawther is also not playing tonight. The 22-year-old continues to recover from his knee injury and will miss at least the next four weeks of action. Lastly, DaRon Holmes II is also out with an unfortunate Achilles injury. This begs the question: How will Nuggets HC Michael Malone field his starting lineup tonight?
Who could start for the Nuggets amid their injury struggles?
With Nikola Jokic not playing tonight and Jamal Murray’s fitness in question alongside several other injuries. The Nuggets HC Michael Malone is left scratching his head to name his starting five against the Trail Blazers. Michael Porter Jr. is the only starter fit at the moment. So, the small forward will have to step up big time tonight. He could garner support from veteran Russell Westbrook who’s been solid this season whenever the team has needed him. Apart from these two, Zeke Nnaji will have the biggest shoes to fill playing in place of Nikola Jokic.
So, here’s how the Nuggets could start:
Position
Starter
PG
Russell Westbrook
SG
Christian Braun (questionable)
SF
Michael Porter Jr.
PF
Peyton Watson
C
Zeke Nnaji
Overall, this might have been easy for the Nuggets if they had their key players. However, that’s not the case, so things might be tricky for Michael Malone and his men. A lot will depend on whether Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, and Aaron Gordon can play or not. If they do, the Nuggets might just edge the in-form Portland team. Well, Portland will not give up so easily. They will be led by a young and hungry Anfernee Simons. So, it will be interesting to watch who wins this battle tonight at the Moda Center.
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