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Will Nuggets' Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon Play in Magic Game?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated Feb 6, 2025 8:03 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets host the Orlando Magic on Thursday as a second part of a back-to-back.

Of course, the Nuggets blew out the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday 144-119 behind incredible performance from Nikola Jokić and Michael Porter Jr. Denver has also won four consecutive games and they look to extend their winning streak to five games on Thursday, but they may be without two key players in the matchup.

Both Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon are listed as questionable for Thursday night’s game. Murray is dealing with left knee inflammation, which could cause head coach Michael Malone to be cautious and sit him, especially with it being the second game in a back-to-back.

Gordon is listed as questionable with right calf injury management. Gordon was able to play in Wednesday’s victory over the Pelicans, but it is likely that he will miss Denver’s game against the Magic as a precaution, especially with him already missing significant time this season with injuries.

The Nuggets will also be without Russell Westbrook, who still has no timetable for a return after suffering a left hamstring strain last week. Peyton Watson also remains sidelined as he is set to miss the next month with a right knee sprain.

For the Magic, they will be without Jalen Suggs, who is dealing with a left quad contusion. Orlando also has former Nuggets’ players Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Gary Harris listen as questionable for the contest.

If Murray and Gordon were to miss Thursday’s game, it would be a big blow for Denver. Expect Zeke Nnaji and Julian Strawther to be possible replacements for them in the starting lineup and the Nuggets will also have to rely more on Jokić and Porter Jr. after their incredible performances on Wednesday.

Fans can catch the matchup between the Magic and Nuggets at 9:00 p.m. EST.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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