Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray. Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Nuggets star 'on cusp' of return from injury

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 11/27/23

Jamal Murray will miss his 11th straight game when the Denver Nuggets face the L.A. Clippers on Monday. The guard has been dealing with a persistent hamstring injury. Denver has a 5-5 record without Murray heading into Monday's matchup.

However, according to Shams Charania, who spoke on an episode of FanDuel TV's "Run It Back," Murray is on the verge of returning to the Nuggets rotation.

"I'm told Jamal Murray will not return tonight against the Clippers," Charania said. "But, after tonight, it's gonna be a day-by-day process. They're gonna see how he feels over the coming days. He could return this week. He could return as soon as Wednesday at home against the (Houston) Rockets or on the road Friday against the Suns...Denver's just 5-5 without him this season. He's one of the game's great competitors; I'm sure it's eating at him...His return is imminent for the Nuggets."

Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray will miss tonight's game vs. Clippers, but is on cusp of return and being monitored day-to-day moving forward, sources say. Reporting on @RunItBackFDTV: pic.twitter.com/7qILty60LN
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 27, 2023

Murray was enjoying a strong start to the season before the injury. The veteran guard was averaging 16.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists while shooting 43.3% from the field and 43.8% from three-point range over seven games. With Murray back in the rotation, Denver will have an elite playmaker to help break down opposing defenses in the half-court.

However, the Nuggets will need to manage Murray's minutes. When he was initially sidelined, head coach Mike Malone noted how his absence would be "longer than we would like" and that Denver would need to make sure he's healthy upon his return. Part of that process is embedding the player back into the rotation slowly.

A minute restriction upon Murray's return would be a logical decision for the coaching staff. Murray is key to the Nuggets ability to defend their championship. Once he's back to full fitness, Denver will be a difficult opponent for any team in the league. Murry holds that much importance to his team.

More must-reads: