The Denver Nuggets are in a real tough spot right now. Nikola Jokic, their heartbeat, is dealing with multiple injuries, and Jamal Murray isn’t exactly in peak condition either. But here’s the kicker—both guys are dying to get back on the court. They know what time of year it is. They know the playoff race is heating up. And yet, head coach Michael Malone isn’t budging.

If you’re hoping for a quick return, well… don’t hold your breath.

With the West being a complete battleground right now, the Nuggets are stuck between two impossible choices—keep their stars healthy or their momentum alive. And judging by Malone’s latest comments, caution is winning that battle by a landslide. Jokic has been dealing with a left ankle impingement and a right elbow contusion, injuries that have now kept him out for two straight games. And this isn’t just about missing a game or two. The Nuggets don’t want this turning into something way worse.

“We’ll have a better answer tomorrow,” Malone said before the Nuggets’ matchup with the Lakers. “Jamal is closer than Nikola, to be quite honest.”

And that’s what raises eyebrows. Because if Jokic is further from returning than Murray—who, by the way, has a sprained ankle—that means the Nuggets are genuinely worried about their big man. Of course, they can go ahead and let them play. But at what cost?

Jokic and Murray Want to Play—But Denver Won’t Budge

Let’s be real—Jokic and Murray know how tight the standings are, and they know every game right now is basically worth double. But the Nuggets’ medical staff? They’re putting their foot down.

“As I mentioned pregame, Nikola and Jamal both want to play,” Malone said. “They want to be out there with their teammates. They understand what time of the year it is and how valuable each and every one of these games are. But we also have to do right by them and make sure this doesn’t become something even bigger and more concerning.”

And then he added this: “If they’re back for Portland, great. If not, we have enough in that room to go out there and try to get a win against a division opponent.”

Not exactly the confidence boost Nuggets fans were hoping for. Jokic, a three-time MVP, hates missing games. Murray? Same deal. These guys are competitors. But the team is making a calculated decision—one that might frustrate the players now but could save them in the long run.

For now, Denver has to lean on Aaron Gordon, who did everything he could in their latest game against the Lakers, putting up 26 points and grabbing 11 boards. But let’s be honest—without Jokic and Murray, this is a different team.

That 120-108 loss to LA? It wasn’t just another regular-season game. It was a reminder. A reminder of just how much ‘The Joker’ means to this squad. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic made it look way too easy, torching them for 31 points in three quarters while Denver’s offense looked completely out of sync. That loss dropped the Nuggets to 43-25, tying them with the Lakers in the West.

And here we are. Denver’s got a big one coming up against the Portland Trail Blazers. Will Nikola Jokic and Murray finally be back, or is Denver playing the long game again?