Nuggets Injury Report: Are Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray Playing Tonight vs Suns? Depth Chart for Defending NBA Champs

In their third matchup of the season, the 8th-seeded Phoenix Suns (42-30) travel to Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, to face the top-seeded Denver Nuggets (51-21). Tip-off is at 8 PM. It is more than just a regular-season game, as it could be a preview of a first-round playoff matchup if the Suns can secure the 6th seed. It’s also the 3rd meeting between these teams, with each team having won one game so far. Jamal Murray has missed the Nuggets’ last two games. Will Nikola Jokic and Murray be healthy and ready to arm up their team tonight against the Suns?

The Denver Nuggets’ injury report is out and looking less than ideal. Jamal Murray has missed the last two games with a sprained left ankle. If he’s out again, Reggie Jackson will probably start. Murray is listed as “questionable” due to left ankle inflammation, along with Aaron Gordon, who has a right plantar fascia strain. Nikola Jokic (lower back pain) and Michael Porter Jr. (illness) are listed as “probable.” Additionally, Porter Jr.’s status will be re-evaluated closer to the tip-off because of illness. Zeke Nnaji will be the only player out for the game, marking his 5th consecutive absence.

The Phoenix Suns aren’t in much better shape injury-wise compared to the Nuggets. Bradley Beal (right finger sprain) and Jusuf Nurkić (right ankle sprain) have been listed as “questionable” for Wednesday’s game against the Denver Nuggets.

How would the starting lineup and depth chart look for Nikola Jokic’s clash against the Suns?

In their last showdown on March 3rd, the Suns had a 117-107 victory over the Nuggets. While Denver has a strong home record with 24 wins in 29 games, Phoenix has been impressive on the road, winning 15 of their last 28 away contests. More importantly, they’ve been on a hot streak lately, taking four wins in their last five games.

The season series is currently tied at 1-1. Earlier in December, the Nuggets dominated the first quarter, putting up a whopping 41 points. Their aggressive defense, cemented by eight steals that forced 12 turnovers, shook up the Suns’ offense. Missing players like Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, Phoenix struggled from beyond the arc, shooting below 35% from three-point range. Denver capitalized, taking the game 111-119.

With all the listed injuries, the Denver depth chart would probably look a little something like this:

In the March 5th overtime thriller, the Suns emerged victorious on the road with a final score of 117-107. While the Nuggets started with a full lineup, the Suns were once again without Devin Booker. Despite his absence, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Grayson Allen combined for a staggering 79 points. Allen, especially, was on fire from beyond the arc, making 8 of his 12 attempts. The Suns, shooting 44% from three-point range, could finally overcome the Nuggets.

With both Booker healthy but Beal and Nurkic listed as “questionable”, the Suns’ backcourt depth could be shaky. Here’s a potential look at their lineup:

With the playoffs right around the corner, will the Suns be able to capitalize on the injured Nuggets and win this best-of-three? Share your thoughts below!

Read More: Nuggets x Suns Injury Report: Is Bradley Beal Playing Tonight vs Jamal Murray & Co?