The Denver Nuggets are heading to the Chase Center to take on the Golden State Warriors in the NBA on Monday night. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since Jimmy Butler joined the Warriors.
The Nuggets have been able to remain victorious against the Warriors for the last few years. However, the Warriors do have a new look and are on a roll. Winners of their last seven games, the Warriors boast a 14-1 record with Jimmy Butler in the starting lineup.
The Nuggets are looking to bounce back after a tough loss to the Washington Wizards, but they could be without several players, including Jamal Murray, as they enter this pivotal game against the Warriors.
Will Jamal Murray Play Against the Warriors?
Murray’s status against the Warriors is in doubt, as he is listed as questionable, per Rotowire. Murray suffered a pretty rough ankle sprain, but there’s always a chance he plays through it against the Warriors.
Several players are listed as questionable for this game, including Nuggets player Aaron Gordon and their superstar Nikola Jokic. Stephen Curry is listed as questionable for the Warriors with a lower back issue, while the rookie Quinten Post is also listed as questionable.
Murray’s status could play a major role in this game, as he is considered by many to be the second option for the Nuggets. If Murray misses this game, it would leave the Nuggets without their second primary scorer and ball handler.
Murray’s Recent Play Prior To Injury
Prior to the ankle sprain that has him listed as questionable, Murray was in great shape. In the loss to the Washington Wizards, he finished with 24 points, 7 assists, and six rebounds. His best performance recently came against the Oklahoma City Thunder in a tough win, as Murray finished with 34 points and six assists.
Over his last five games, Murray has been averaging 22.6 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game. The Nuggets are 2-3 in that span, but a motivated Murray is a good sign for the remainder of the regular season if his health remains intact.
This game is pivotal for the Warriors and Nuggets, as both teams need a victory to maintain their standing and potentially climb in the Western Conference standings. The Nuggets are currently the third seed in the West, while the Warriors are the sixth seed.
A win for the Nuggets would allow them to overtake the Houston Rockets for the second seed again, while the Warriors would have some breathing room against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a win and move closer to potentially stealing the fifth seed. This is a game with big implications for playoff positioning. Will Murray play? Time will tell.