Last year, Jamal Murray sent the Lakers packing with two insane game-winners in the playoffs. Many even deemed him—The Lakers Killer. That’s because he always plays his best basketball when facing them. Even last Friday, it was his dagger three in the final seconds over Dalton Knecht that sealed the game for the Nuggets. Unfortunately, Murray will not be there to rescue his team tonight as they take on the LA franchise in last week’s rematch.

Reason? A right ankle sprain that also forced him to miss Monday’s Warriors clash. Well, the point guard was initially listed as questionable on the injury report, but his status has been downgraded to out merely hours before tip-off.

Of course, this is a massive blow for the Nuggets because Murray has been incredible this year, averaging 21.5 points and over six assists. Especially against the Lakers last Friday, he dropped 26 points on a highly efficient shooting night and led his team to a five-point victory. The Nuggets will surely miss his firepower tonight. Talking of his return, Murray could make a comeback on Friday against the Blazers, depending on his progress.

In Jamal’s absence, Russell Westbrook is likely to take on starting point guard duty like he did against the Warriors. Of course, the former MVP has become a key contributor for his team in less than a year, averaging 13.1 points and over six assists. Even in Monday’s win against Stephen Curry and Co., Russ put up a dominant 12-point triple-double, making up for Murray’s unavailability. Hopefully, he will do the same tonight.

Adding to their concerns, Nikola Jokic is also sidelined for his second straight game as he continues to deal with ankle and foot injuries. So, the Nuggets could have a tough time in LA without their two best players.

Jamal Murray claims winning is a priority over individual stats as he defers to Nikola Jokic

Well, Murray and Jokic have been a lethal duo for a good part of the last decade. A huge reason behind their incredible chemistry and success is that neither of them prioritizes individual stats over team goals. After Murray hit the game-winner on the Lakers last Friday, he revealed why he doesn’t take more shots on a nightly basis, “I would love to shoot 25-30 times a night… Yeah 100%. But I’m also trying to win.”

Then he revealed why he has no problem deferring to Jokic, “I have the best player in the world. A three-time MVP, about to be four-time MVP. I’m not going to force it… It’s on the flow of the game. I don’t like to come down and force, especially when I have the teammates that I have.” Meanwhile, Jokic has a similar mindset as even after bagging MVP multiple times, he is always focused on the ultimate goal of winning a championship. That’s what makes the duo so great.

Tonight, Michael Malone will have to figure out a way to function without them. As of now, the Nuggets are only two wins ahead of the Lakers and a loss could put them at risk of falling down the standings. Do you think they can upset the LA team on their home court without Murray and Jokic?