When it comes to facing the Sacramento Kings, Jamal Murray has helped the Denver Nuggets at a level that has allowed them to establish a commendable win record against their Western Conference peers. However, the point guard has faltered occasionally and only averaged 17.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 6.7 assists over the last 10 matchups against the Kings.

In fact, the most recent matchup between the two teams saw Murray lead the offensive effort with 32 points. Therefore, the 27-year-old’s presence would certainly be required in the upcoming game, as the Nuggets look to add another victory to their already 2-game win streak. Fortunately, there may be some positive news on the horizon.

Recently, the official X account of the Denver Nuggets highlighted details of its Injury Report for the upcoming matchup. According to it, Jamal Murray’s status has now been shifted to ‘Probable’. While his availability for the previous game was a ‘Game-Time Decision’, a ‘Probable’ status increases the odds of his availability against the Sacramento Kings.

While this is good news, the team is not without injury concerns even now. Christian Braun’s trouble with his low back strain has caused him to be listed as ‘Questionable’. Meanwhile, Dario Saric is now set to miss his 9 consecutive game thanks to his left ankle sprain. Vlatko Čančar, who last played for the Denver Nuggets a little after mid-November, continues to recover from his Left Knee Surgery Rehabilitation. As a result, he will miss his 11 consecutive game. DaRon Holmes II, the 22 overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, hasn’t played a single game this season. Given the update on the report, he won’t start with the upcoming matchup either.

Going into the 2024-25 season, concerns were raised about Jamal Murray’s health. After all, the calf strain he sustained during the first round of the previous playoffs created quite a scare. Though the player did not miss any playoff game because of that ailment, his performance had nevertheless taken a hit. As the ongoing season commenced, Murray became consistent with his appearances after missing 3 back-to-back games back in early November.

However, after playing for 41 minutes against the Cleveland Cavaliers over a week and a half ago, the player was diagnosed with a hamstring ailment. Later, the player himself revealed he had sustained a plantar fasciitis.

Fortunately, Murray’s condition had improved well enough to allow him to play for 32 minutes against the LA Clippers, and drop 20 points in the process. During the post-game presser, he stated, “(The hamstring is) good. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel going into the game…fresh legs had energy. Feel good now”. With a ‘Probable’ status, and his recent remarks, the Sacramento Kings squad may not spare themselves from Murray’s prowess.

Speaking of the Sacramento Kings, the injury status of their players isn’t as dreadful as their upcoming rivals. After all, the franchise has only two players listed on the report, with only one being ‘OUT’. Trey Lyles, who hasn’t played a single game in December, continues recovering from his Grade 1 right calf strain.

Meanwhile, having injured his recently surgically repaired left shoulder, Kevin Huerter is listed as ‘Doubtful’. In light of these updates, both teams will have to make changes to their starting lineups.

What will the starting lineup and depth chart for the Nuggets-Kings matchup look like?

In the off-chance that Jamal Murray does not play, Russell Westbrook will most likely receive some increased responsibilities. Russell Westbrook would also be considered if Christian Braun is missing from the matchup. Additionally, Julian Strawther and Peyton Watson are other candidates who can get instead get the increased roles. In light of these updates, the starting lineup for the Denver Nuggets will look like this:

Additionally, the starting lineup for the Sacramento Kings will look like this:

The Denver Nuggets or the Sacramento Kings? Who will you be rooting for during the upcoming game? Let us know in the comments section below.