Denver Nuggets DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (shin) is not on the injury report for Thursday's 2023 NBA Finals rematch versus the Miami Heat. After wrecking the Sacramento Kings for 32 points on 15 shots in 33 minutes during Wednesday's win, Murray's status is worth noting after head coach Michael Malone was unsure of his availability for the second half of Denver's back-to-back. The 27-year-old star guard is on a roll post-All-Star break, averaging 25.7 points, 5.7 dimes, 2.7 three-pointers on 57.1% shooting from beyond the arc, and 1.3 steals over his past three performances. The Heat are holding opposing point guards to the third-fewest fantasy points per game on DraftKings this season, and this contest puts two of the five slowest-paced offenses in the Association against each other. Even so, Murray is close to a matchup-proof option in season-long settings while he's on fire shooting the ball.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic was unstoppable against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, leading his team to a 119-103 win with a big triple-double. He posted 32 points with 16 rebounds and 16 assists. In 37 minutes on the court, Jokic also collected a nice amount of defensive stats by tallying four steals and one block. He shot 13-for-24 from the field with a 2-for-6 record from deep. This was Jokic's third career triple-double with at least 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists -- only Oscar Robertson has managed more (11). Based on his standards, Jokic has had a couple of quiet weeks this month, but it's safe to say he's on the roll again, with the former MVP posting three consecutive triple-doubles since returning from the All-Star break.

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.