As we head closer to the playoffs, the Nuggets have started to pick up steam. They have won their last nine games and climbed to the second seed in the West standings. And they aim to continue that momentum tonight as they host the Lakers in Ball Arena. Giving them an added boost, their injured superstar Jamal Murray is likely to suit up for the highly-anticipated encounter.

Yes, Murray has been listed as probable in the injury report. Well, there were concerns about his availability as he continues to play through a lingering left knee inflammation. But his latest status signals that he will be available to play. Of course, that’s great news for his team because Jamal has been in incredible form recently, averaging 21.3 points and over six assists.

Moreover, everyone is aware of his history of raising the bar whenever he plays against the Lakers. In his fourteen playoff appearances against them, Jamal averages a whopping 26.6 points and nearly seven assists. And who can forget his two insane game winners last year that shattered LeBron James and Co.’s championship dreams? So, you can expect Murray to ball out tonight.

Adding to their advantage, Aaron Gordon is also probable for the game. Just like Murray, he has also been dealing with a lingering injury all year. But for AG, its his right calf that’s bothering him. He even missed a game right before the All-Star break because of the nagging issue. But his potential availability tonight really boosts the Nuggets’ chances of winning as Gordon is one of their best two-way players, averaging 12.3 points and nearly five rebounds.

But surely, all attention will be on Murray, who recently put up his career’s best scoring performance against the Blazers.

Motivated by Revenge, Jamal Murray’s 55-point performance proved how lethal he can be

Right before heading to the All-Star break, Murray showed the world why he is still one of the best in the game. Facing the Blazers, he went off for a career-high 55 points to lead his team to a dominant victory. And what happened in the previous game might have played a role in his epic performance. Yes, just two days prior, the point guard got ejected during a game against the same team, which might have worked as added motivation for his career’s best scoring night. His teammate Zeke Nnaji even warned the Blazers, “They shouldn’t have done that. When he’s mad, there’s no one in the world that can stop him.”

Meanwhile, Murray also chimed in on his incredible outing, “It’s just all competitive spirit. I came ready to play. Especially just being used to the playoffs and playing the same team over and over and they know your plays and things get chippy and you have to see them again. So, I think just that kind of factor made me ready to go. I was truly prepared today.” If that’s the case, then Murray will also be ready to go tonight as he has faced the Lakers in the playoffs multiple times and knows how to get past their defense. Do you think he can lead the Nuggets to another victory and extend their nine-game winning streak?