Denver Nuggets

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (leg) is ruled out for Friday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The 27-year-old, who sustained a tibia injury, also missed the final game before the All-Star break. As a precaution, he will sit out the second night of a back-to-back. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (finger) is questionable, potentially leaving Denver without their entire starting backcourt. Reggie Jackson, Christian Braun, and Justin Holiday are all viable options to step up for the Nuggets on Friday. Murray boasts season averages of 20.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in 31.4 minutes per game.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic returned to practice on Wednesday after head coach Michael Malone excused him from Tuesday's practice due to his All-Star responsibilities. The MVP favorite played 23 minutes in the All-Star game, contributing 13 points, four rebounds, and nine assists in the West's 211-186 loss to the East on Sunday. Jokic is expected to be fully prepared for the stretch run of the year, set to return at home against the Wizards tomorrow. He's maintaining impressive averages of 26.1 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 8.9 assists in 33.8 minutes per game this season.

Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray (lower leg) is set to return to the lineup on Thursday versus Washington. Murray missed Denver's final game before the All-Star break, but he came through practice with no issues on Tuesday, and Nuggets head coach Michael Malone expects him to play against the Wizards. Murray's return will send Reggie Jackson back to the bench, although he could still be useful in some fantasy formats. Washington allows the sixth-most bench points in the league, and with the game expected to be a blowout, Denver's second unit, spearheaded by Jackson, could get more action.

Denver Nuggets guard/forward Christian Braun hopes to get healthy over the All-Star break, which would then allow him to produce better performances. The 22-year-old was expected to make a big step up in 2023-24, but he hasn't gained any momentum due to health issues holding him back. While averaging 19.0 minutes off the bench, Braun has put up 7.0 points with 3.5 rebounds. "I don't want to sit here and make any excuses, but it hasn't been great," Braun told Sean Keeler of The Denver Post. "(It's been) one thing after another. But I feel all right I think this break for me, personally, will be great for my body. I think that's the biggest thing for me right now, is getting my body back. (It) hasn't felt great all year."

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (leg) won't play on Wednesday versus Sacramento. This one shouldn't surprise anyone, considering he was downgraded from questionable to doubtful throughout the day. Barring a setback, he should be back immediately after the All-Star break. However, until Murray returns to the lineup, Nikola Jokic, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon should remain locks for all fantasy lineups. On the other hand, Reggie Jackson, who will start for Murray, is worth streaming.