USA Today via Reuters
Nov 24, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) drives with the ball as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 24, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) drives with the ball as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Nuggets are set to face the Houston Rockets tonight. The defending champions have been shorthanded for many games as their superstar guard Jamal Murray has been out for the last 11 games due to a hamstring injury. 2-time MVP Nikola Jokic was also ruled out of the last game due to lower back issues. The Nuggets fans are hoping for their superstars’ quick return so that they can go back to playing Championship basketball.
Let’s find out if Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic will suit up for the Rockets game as the Denver Nuggets reveal their final injury report.
Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray update
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NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that The Joker has been cleared to play in tonight’s game as he has recovered from his back pain. Jokic did not play in the last game against the LA Clippers. He has been in incredible form this season, averaging 28.8 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 8.9 assists. The Joker is having an MVP-caliber season, and he has led the Nuggets to a 12-6 record, keeping them in the 2nd spot of the Western Conference standings.
Nuggets center Nikola Jokić (lower back pain) has been cleared to play against the Rockets. Jamal Murray (strained right hamstring) is a game-time decision. Aaron Gordon (strained right heel) is out.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) November 30, 2023
Minutes after Woj’s update on Jokic, he revealed another great news for the Nuggets fans.
Nuggets star Jamal Murray (hamstring) will make his return vs. the Rockets tonight, sources tell ESPN. Murray has missed nearly a month with the injury. Defending champs are 6-5 without Murray, but won six of seven to start season with him.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 30, 2023
Jokic’s co-star Jamal Murray will also make his highly anticipated return against the Rockets after missing 11 games due to injury. The Nuggets are 6-5 without Murray this season. His impact on the team is evident from their record, as the defending champions started their season 6-1 when Murray was in the lineup. The point guard was averaging 16.3 points and 7.4 assists before his injury. Another star on the injury report is Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon. He has been out for the past two games and will miss tonight’s game due to a strained right heel.
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Are the Denver Nuggets still the best team in the NBA?
Denver has continued their incredible form from last season despite missing Jamal Murray for the majority of the season. The Nuggets have built a great team around Jokic, and they are looking like one of the best teams in the league. The Nuggets supporting cast is good enough to hold their own even without Murray and Jokic. In the last game against the Clippers, Reggie Jackson put up a monstrous 35-point, 13-assist performance in the absence of The Joker to get the Nuggets the win.
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Now that Jokic and Murray are returning to the lineup, the Denver Nuggets will again become one of the hardest teams to beat. It is not certain if they are still the best team in the NBA, but Denver is one of the top contenders to win the Championship this season.
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