NBA Injury Report: Will Jamal Murray Return for the Round 1 Playoffs Matchup Against Golden State Warriors?

The Denver Nuggets, despite being severely shorthanded, have made it to the Playoffs. Rallying behind Nikola Jokic‘s historic season, they were successful in avoiding the play-in tournament as well. Unlike the Lakers with 2 league MVPs and four Hall of Famers, the Nuggets didn’t use the injury to Jamal Murray as an excuse. 

Throughout the season they didn’t have their #1 offensive player Jamal Murray. In fact, they have been playing without the 25-year old since the playoffs last season. In addition, they lost Michale Porter Jr earlier this season due to a back injury. Both players are making progress in rehab, however, the recent update on their return is quite concerning for Nuggets fans. 

Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are not expected to return for Playoffs

There was optimism throughout the season that Jamal Murray and MPJ would return for the Playoffs. An ACL injury is career-ending for many players. They never come back the same, however, the Nuggets guard is fairly young. The reigning MVP has just entered his prime and the trio of Jokic-Murray-MPJ will haunt the league for years to come alongside Aaron Gordon.

Nuggets star guard Jamal Murray and forward Michael Porter Jr. will be out for season finale Sunday vs. Lakers. Sources say, as of now, they are unlikely to return to action during playoffs: pic.twitter.com/KUMgctvOLD

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 9, 2022

Murray has the final say in his return schedule according to Sham Charania of the Athletic. He has earned this right after dropping 30+ points in every playoff run to exceed all expectations for the past few seasons. The bigger picture is of utmost importance to the organization. This trio will have several opportunities to make a title run. 

After missing over a year of NBA action, fitting into Playoff intensity can be very difficult. Jamal Murray shouldn’t risk career-ending injury for a postseason run that may not even end in a title. He is clearly aware of that and so is the front office. They are in no rush to bring back the 25-year old guard in the Playoffs this season.

Although they are not officially ruled out, ultimately it will be Jamal Murray’s call. The Denver Nuggets are set to face potentially healthy Warriors in the first round after clinching 6th seed in the West. The shorthanded Nuggets have a season series advantage over Golden State but with a healthy roster, the latter might surprise them.