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

Last season’s epic Western Conference clashes between the Memphis Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets are a distant memory. While the Denver Nuggets (50-21) remain a force to be reckoned with, the Memphis Grizzlies (24-47) have gone downhill. As for the Nuggets, they currently sit atop the Western Conference despite missing key players. And tonight, with the showdown tipping off at 7:00 PM at the Ball Arena, Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray have both been listed as questionable.

The “Joker” and superstar Jamal Murray sat out during their team’s victory against Portland because of lower back pain and a left ankle sprain, respectively. Despite their absences, Denver proved their depth by securing a narrow 114-111 win. Nuggets coach Michael Malone applauded his team’s fighting spirit, especially their recent stretch. “Any time you can win a game without Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, especially on the road, you’re always going to take that,” he said.

Considering the fine margins of the game, Malone added, “I’m proud of our group for just fighting through it. Give them credit, they came out of halftime with a head of steam and got us on our heels.” Apart from Jokić and Murray, the Nuggets have listed Michael Porter Jr. (illness) and Aaron Gordan (right planar fascia strain) as questionable, too. Zeke Nnaji (thigh) and Vlatko Čančar (knee surgery) have been ruled out.

The Memphis Grizzlies, who finished as the conference’s second seed last year, simply haven’t been able to replicate that success this season. They’ve gone from contender to lottery hopeful, plagued by injuries that sidelined star Ja Morant for the entire season. That has continued as tonight’s game approaches, and their roster is riddled with injuries.

As of writing this, Desmond Bane (back), Lamar Stevens (abductor), and Jake LaRavia (illness) are listed as questionable for the game. Brandon Clarke (Achilles) has been declared doubtful, and he’s joined by John Konchar (heel) and Vince Williams Jr. (patellar tendon). Ja Morant (shoulder), Derrick Rose (groin), Marcus Smart (finger), Zairie Williams (hip, back), Luke Kennard (personal), and Yuta Watanabe (personal) have been ruled out.

Nikola Jokić-led Denver Nuggets reign supreme in stats

The Denver Nuggets have a league-leading 114.6 points per game, while their shooting efficiency ranks 4th in the NBA at 49.6%. Nikola Jokić remains the offensive engine, averaging a well-rounded stat line of 26.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game. Jamal Murray, when healthy, averages 20.9 points and 6.7 assists.

Defensively, Denver is a force to be reckoned with, allowing just 109.9 points per game (7th in the NBA). They excel at protecting the rim, averaging 391 blocks (4th in the league). Nikola Jokić has averaged 19.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in 28 games versus the Grizzlies in his entire career. In the last 5 matchups, Jokic has averaged 18.8 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 8.6 assists, while Jamal Murray has averaged 15.6 points, 6.4 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in the last 5 games against the Grizzlies.

Nuggets have a strong 22-15 road record and a 28-6 home record, where they’ll play their next five games. This matchup marks the third of four meetings between the two teams this season. Denver has won the first 2 encounters, including a dominating 142-105 victory in late December.

So, the question remains: will the injury-riddled Grizzlies pull off a miracle on the road, or will the Nuggets win yet again in the comfort of their home court? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!

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