November 22, 2024

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Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray officially available vs. Blazers

The Nuggets will have both Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray vs. Blazers

The Denver Nuggets are one of the best teams in the Western Conference right now, with a 33-16 record. But they have to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night after falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder 105-100. The defending NBA champions faced further worrying news before their game against the Portland Trail Blazers, as both superstar big man Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray were listed as out due to back soreness. This came after a difficult loss without Jokic.

Both Jokic and Murray were initially listed on the Nuggets’ injury report for Friday’s game. Whereas the Serbian big man once again found himself listed as questionable due to his lower back pain, Denver’s star guard was listed as probable with a left knee contusion.

Fortunately, minutes prior to tip-off, the Nuggets announced that both Jokic and Murray are available to play.

Although Jokic is not one to miss games due to minor injuries and bruises, the Nuggets are being cautious with their two-time MVP. The only thing that matters to this organization is having their stars healthy and available for the playoffs, hence the reasoning behind getting the big man some extra rest.
This season, Jokic has participated in 47 games and averaged 26.3 points, 12.1 rebounds, 9.0 assists, and 58.5 percent from the field per game. Jokic is currently the overwhelming favorite to earn his third MVP since the start of the 2021–22 season, with Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid anticipated to surpass the minimum games missed criteria for this season’s honors. With just two games missed so far this season, Jokic is by no means in danger of finding himself in Embiid’s shoes.

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