Star likely to miss in-season tournament group stage finale vs. Rockets

Murray is anticipated to miss a minimum of three more games, which will include the final of the in-season group stage tournament.

Coach Michael Malone stated on Monday afternoon that Jamal Murray is unlikely to play again during the Nuggets’ remaining five games on their road trip. As a result, the point guard is anticipated to miss Denver’s in-season tournament group stage finale on Friday in Houston.

Since suffering a strained right hamstring against the Bulls on November 4, Murray has missed seven games for the Nuggets against the Pistons on Monday night. Denver (9-4) was 3-3 without Murray going into the Detroit game; they were undefeated on the road. His spot in the starting lineup has been taken by Reggie Jackson.

Malone stated, “He’s making progress, but I believe there’s still work to be done for him to get back and be cleared.”

Despite being hurt, Murray has been traveling with the team. He was huddled in and talking with Malone and lead assistant coach David Adelman as the Nuggets tried to finish a 20-point comeback against New Orleans last Friday.

Malone remarked, “I think it speaks to just his engagement.” “I believe Jamal is a guy who cares about his teammates, whether he’s playing or not. He will do everything in his power to support the team because he cares about them. We’re playing a lot of young players right now, so Jamal’s influence on someone like Jalen Pickett, Collin, Julian, Peyton, or another player, could be significant. You therefore adore witnessing his level of engagement and enthusiasm for the games.”

When Murray was hurt early in the second quarter against Chicago, he was averaging 16.3 points and 7.4 assists per game.

The final three games of the Nuggets’ tour are in Detroit, Orlando, and Houston. As the first round of the inaugural in-season tournament draws to an end on Friday, they are down 2-1 in group play. For the Nuggets to have any chance of making it to the eight-team knockout stage, they must defeat the Rockets in order to top their group.