As the Denver Nuggets gear up for Tuesday night’s road clash with the Indiana Pacers, all eyes are on the health of their two stars: Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. With Denver sitting at 14-6 and about to embark on a four-game road trip, the availability of their franchise cornerstones looms large over this stretch.
Jokic and Murray on the Injury Report
Nikola Jokic is listed as probable with a left wrist sprain, while Jamal Murray is questionable due to a lingering right ankle sprain. Both suited up in Monday night’s high-scoring 131-121 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, and their workloads were anything but light - a factor that may influence how the team handles their minutes tonight in Indiana.
Let’s start with Jokic. The reigning three-time MVP continues to put up numbers that feel pulled from a video game.
Against Dallas, he dropped a monster triple-double: 29 points, 20 rebounds, 13 assists, two blocks, and a steal in 37 minutes. His efficiency wasn’t quite at his usual level - 10-for-24 from the field and 3-for-10 from deep - but the sheer volume and impact of his performance were undeniable.
Jokic continues to operate as the engine of Denver’s offense, and even on a night when the Nuggets fell short, his fingerprints were all over the game.
Through 20 games this season, Jokic is averaging 29 points, 12.8 rebounds, and a career-best 11.1 assists per game. He’s also adding 1.5 steals per night and shooting a scorching 62.1% from the field and 43.8% from three - all while logging nearly 35 minutes a game. Simply put, he’s not just playing MVP-caliber basketball - he’s redefining what that looks like on a nightly basis.
Murray Managing the Ankle
As for Murray, his status is a bit more uncertain. He’s been dealing with that right ankle issue for much of the season, and while he played 26 minutes against Dallas, it’s clear the team is still being cautious.
He finished with 10 points, nine assists, four rebounds, and a steal, shooting 3-for-8 from the floor and 2-for-3 from beyond the arc. Not a standout performance by his standards, but he continues to show his value as a playmaker, even when not fully healthy.
Murray is quietly putting together a strong campaign when he’s been available. He’s averaging a career-high 23.3 points to go with 6.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. His shooting splits - 48.3% from the field and 41.5% from three - speak to his efficiency, and his 34.8 minutes per night show just how vital he is to Denver’s backcourt when healthy.
A Familiar Foe in Indiana
Tuesday’s game marks the second meeting between Denver and Indiana this season. The Nuggets handled the Pacers with ease in their first matchup, winning 117-100 back on November 8 at Ball Arena.
That night, Denver didn’t have Murray, but Jokic more than picked up the slack - pouring in 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists on just 14 shot attempts. He also went 11-for-12 from the line and added a steal in 32 minutes, though he did commit eight turnovers.
Still, it was one of his most efficient outings of the season, and a reminder of what he can do when fully engaged.
Indiana, meanwhile, comes into this one at 4-17 and looking to find any sort of rhythm. It’s been a rough start to the season, and facing a Nuggets team still near the top of the Western Conference standings - even with injury concerns - is no easy task.
What’s Next for Denver
This game kicks off a four-game road trip for the Nuggets, with stops in Atlanta, Charlotte, and Sacramento still to come before they return home on December 15. It’s a stretch that could test their depth, especially if Jokic or Murray miss time or are limited.
Final injury updates for tonight’s game are expected closer to tipoff, but one thing’s clear: Denver’s success on this road trip may hinge on how healthy their stars are - and how well the supporting cast can step up if they’re not at full strength.