It’s that time of year again. When one tweet can change everything, and fans cling to every whisper from the locker room. In Denver, where postseason expectations hang like mile-high thunderclouds, all eyes are on two names: Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic. One’s nursing a nagging hamstring, the other is carrying the weight of a franchise. Both are vital. But as Game 2 against the Clippers looms, uncertainty surrounds the Nuggets’ fate.

It’s not just about talent anymore. After a rollercoaster season that ended with the firings of their GM and head coach, the Nuggets are navigating playoff waters with interim coach David Adelman at the helm. And standing in their way? A hungry Clippers squad led by Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, known for capitalizing on the slightest weakness. As tip-off approaches, one question echoes through Ball Arena: Will Denver’s stars suit up when it matters most?

Denver Nuggets injury report going into the game against the Clippers

Well, Nuggets fans can finally breathe easy. According to the official injury report shared by ESPN, neither Nikola Jokic nor Jamal Murray appears on the list, hence heading into Game 2. That means Denver’s top two weapons are expected to play, and that’s massive. Especially for Murray, who battled a nagging hamstring late in the season and was once labeled a “maybe” by former coach Michael Malone. But after suiting up for the final two regular-season wins, it’s clear: the Canadian guard is back in rhythm, just in time. As for Jokic? Let’s just say the three-time MVP is still very much the heartbeat of this team. And he’s not going anywhere.

But even with Jokic and Murray set to suit up, Denver’s path to a repeat won’t be smooth unless the rest of the roster holds up their end. Michael Porter Jr.’s 3‑point, 4‑attempt on Game 1 was a major letdown for a $179 million investment. Jokic didn’t mince words postgame when asked if Porter needed to bring more: “Of course… You need to sacrifice. It’s not about minutes or shots. It’s about winning the game.” With Murray returning to form and Jokic still dominating, the spotlight now swings to the Nuggets’ third option. Because in the playoffs, stars can only take you so far.

Still, even with the Nuggets’ stars locked in, there’s a bit of an elephant in the room. And leave it to Jokic to call it out. After that nail-biting 112-110 win in Game 1, the big man didn’t just talk stats or strategy. Instead, he turned the spotlight toward someone fans might not have expected: Russell Westbrook. Jokic’s unsolicited praise of Russell Westbrook cut deeper than any X‑and‑O analysis—it was a direct challenge to Denver’s front office. With the Clippers storming back late, the Joker made it clear who earned his respect that night. And just like that, a surprise narrative started building, one that could crank the heat on Denver’s coaching staff moving forward.

Russell Westbrook earns Jokic’s support amid Nuggets lineup questions

Nikola Jokic isn’t known for flattery. So when he singles someone out, it carries weight. After Denver’s gritty Game 1 win over the Clippers, Jokic didn’t talk about his near triple-double or Jamal Murray’s return. Instead, he shined the spotlight on an opponent, Russell Westbrook. “I think he has the most confidence of anyone in this,” Jokic told ESPN, a rare public endorsement that instantly turned heads. But Jokic wasn’t the only one rallying behind the former MVP. Former Miami Heat sharpshooter Dorell Wright echoed the sentiment. Only louder and with a challenge to the Nuggets’ coaching staff.

Speaking on The Dwyane Wade Podcast, Wright called out Denver’s lineup decisions, pointing to Westbrook’s undeniable impact as a starter. “Go look at the record when Russell was starting… Russell Westbrook is a difference maker when he’s in the starting line-up, period,” Wright asserted. And the numbers don’t lie. When Russ starts, his energy, output, and impact all spike. Jokic sees it. Wright sees it. Even former head coach Michael Malone once credited Westbrook’s experience in “big games” as vital. So the question now is: Will interim coach David Adelman finally hand the keys to Westbrook?

This series opening felt like a warning shot: stars can only carry you so far. Denver’s ability to get contributions beyond Jokic and Murray will determine if they’re repeat contenders—or early contenders for an offseason overhaul.