Why Is Jamal Murray Not Playing vs Timberwolves? Fragile Fitness of Nuggets Star Haunts Denver Ahead of Playoffs

The Denver Nuggets face the 2nd-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in a crucial home game tonight. With a handful of games remaining in the regular season, the outcome of tonight’s game could determine the team that takes the top spot in the Western Conference. Unfortunately, the defending Champions will have to go into the Timberwolves clash shorthanded as their star guard Jamal Murray is still on the injury report.

According to the latest report, Jamal Murray will not play tonight’s game due to right knee inflammation. He has missed the last 3 outings due to the injury and will miss his 4th consecutive game tonight. That is a massive blow for the Nuggets as Murray has been their second-best player behind Nikola Jokic, and they cannot afford to lose him so close to the playoffs. Vlatko Cancar (left knee surgery) and Zeke Nnaji (right adductor tendinosis) are also on the injury report and will not play tonight.

Nikola Jokic is available to play tonight, but doesn’t guarantee a 100% performance. The 2-time MVP has been dealing with lower back pain and left hip inflammation, which could affect his performance in tonight’s game. On the Timberwolves side of things, Karl-Anthony Towns is still out recovering from his knee surgery. But they will have the rest of their stars available to take on Denver. If the Timberwolves beat the Nuggets tonight, they will overtake the defending Champions to grab the 1st seed with a 51-22 record. Denver will miss Jamal Murray’s playmaking ability and offensive prowess in tonight’s crucial game.

What did Michael Malone say about Murray’s injury?

Jamal Murray has had a decent season when he is on the floor. He is averaging 20.9 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds. However, his health has been a major concern for the majority of the season. Murray has missed 19 games so far due to multiple knee and ankle injuries. Denver has an 11-8 record in those 19 games. His fragile fitness could cause major problems for the Nuggets during the playoffs.

When asked about Murray’s health, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone said he is getting better but is not ready to go out and compete at the level they need him to. His ankles, shins, and knees are still bothering him.

That is a concerning update by Mike Malone, as it is still uncertain when Murray will return to the lineup. The Nuggets will require their veteran who averaged 26.1 points, 7.1 assists, and 5.7 rebounds in the 2023 playoffs as they head to defend their title. Hopefully, the shooting guard recovers soon to help the Nuggets keep their Championship dream alive.

Read More: Nuggets Injury Report: Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray’s Stinging Downgrade Disrupts Denver’s Crucial Western Conference Opportunity