Nuggets Injury Report: Are Nikola Jokic & Jamal Murray Playing Tonight vs Grizzlies?

The Denver Nuggets head into their final regular season game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum tonight. Seed 3rd in the Western Conference, 56-25, and having secured a place in the playoffs, the Nuggets wouldn’t have much to worry about. Thus, heading against the Grizzlies, the team seems to be running cautiously, listing a significant portion of their core players as questionable.

A few hours ahead of the game, Nuggets’ analyst, Ryan Blackburn took to X to share a lengthy injury report of the team. The post has Nikola Jokić (hip), Jamal Murray (knee), Michael Porter Jr. (illness), Aaron Gordon (foot), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (shoulder), Reggie Jackson (calf), and Zeke Nnaji all listed as questionable. Considering the nearing playoffs, it is expected that these players will get either fewer minutes or remain sidelined in order to maintain form for the crucial phase ahead.

Nikola Jokić has been a significant player for the Nuggets this season. Playing 78 games, he averages 26.3 points, 12.3 rebounds & 9.0 assists per game. Furthermore, he looks rather steady on the path to attaining his 3rd MVP title. Jamal Murray, on the other hand, has featured in 58 games this season. Owing to his shooting abilities, the point guard averages 21.2 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game.

While the stat lines will prove essential for a win tonight to claim the top seed, the Nuggets might look to focus on the bigger picture post-season. More so, with playoffs average of each at 27.5 points and 25.0 respectively. But only closer to the tipoff, will the status be confirmed.

Predicted Lineups: Grizzlies vs Nuggets

The Memphis Grizzlies are currently ranked 13th in the Western Conference. They have had a disappointing run this season, losing 7 games out of their last 10. The Grizzlies have scored points at an average of 105.8 points per game, which is 30th overall in the league. But they have been slightly good on the defensive end, having conceded points at an average of 109.6 which is 9th overall in the league. In hopes of breaking their 4-game losing streak and drawing a neat end to their season, this is how they could lineup: Jake LaRavia, GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Jordan Goodwin, and Trey Jemison.

As for the Denver Nuggets, they currently hold onto the 3rd seed in the Western Conference and have won 6 games out of their last 10 games. The Nuggets have been average on the offensive part, recording points at an average of 114.7 points per game, which is 14th overall in the league. Whereas, they have conceded points at an average of 109.6 to become the 6th best. In hopes of maintaining momentum as they head to defend their title, this is how they could lineup: Aaron Gordon, Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokić, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr.