In what was quite a surprising turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers had overturned the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 to win 119-108 and get their first win of the series. Either Austin Reaves’ “man up” comments did the magic, or the frustration of all the losses drove them to a mad dash. Whatever the reason, the Lakers didn’t let the second-half rallying of the defending champions pressure them into losing composure. But then again, one of Denver’s superstars was hobbling late in the quarter. And that could have provided them the boost they needed.

Jamal Murray was nursing a calf injury in the fourth quarter of their loss to the Purple & Gold. And now, as the Nuggets are hoping to seal the deal tonight, Murray is on the injury report. He is listed as ‘Questionable’ with a left calf strain. The 27-year-old Canadian has given LA a run for their money on multiple occasions. The most famous one of them being the insane buzzer-beater over Anthony Davis! It was the same one that saw AD walk out of the presser angrily and the same that saw Denver overcome a 20-point deficit.

Murray hasn’t been completely free from injuries this season. One thing we do have to say is that none of them were repetitive. The 23 games he missed were due to injuries ranging from shin, hamstring, ankle, and knee. In the 23, Jamal once missed seven consecutive games. Given how crucial the game on Monday is, the chances of him not suiting up are less. Even so, there is no doubt that the Lakers would be happy if they didn’t have to worry about the happy-go-lucky guard. Aside from Jamal Murray, Reggie Jackson is ‘probable’ with a left ankle sprain.

As for the Lakers, they have the usual list of candidates on the injury list. LeBron James is ‘probable’ with his ankle injury. Davis is also ‘probable’ with a wrist ailment. But the one good news for LA is that their defensive big man, Jarred Vanderbilt, is ‘questionable’ for Game 5. He’s been sidelined for more than two months because of a right mid-foot sprain. His presence will be quite the boost for the bench.

But of course, his first game after so long will be in a high-pressure, extremely crucial playoff scenario. So, the question of how he will perform, if he does suit up, is something we’ll just have to watch.

Jamal Murray stats

Of course, everybody knows Jamal Murray is a key piece to the Denver Nuggets. In fact, the Murray-Jokic duo is one pair the opponents will try to avoid as best as they can. The two of them have quite the damage on the floor. Even so, Murray’s struggles from the floor when facing the Lakers have not escaped notice.

When going up against the Purple & Gold, Murray has shot 38% from the field and a mere 20.8% from the three-point line this playoffs. This is a guy who has averaged career-bests in both these areas in the regular season. Murray was 48.1% from the field and 42.5% from downtown. But then again, he was the one who got the remarkable buzzer-beater in AD’s face.

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Since we aren’t sure about the depth of Jamal Murray’s injury, in the rare circumstance he doesn’t take the floor, chances are Jackson (probable) will suit up.