With Jamal Murray sidelined for the fourth consecutive game Friday night against the Timberwolves, Nuggets coach Michael Malone expressed optimism that his star guard would return to play at some point before the playoffs.
Listed as questionable on the team’s injury report with an ankle injury, Murray sat out a critical Western Conference matchup at Ball Arena. Still, Malone said Murray is getting better and doesn’t think the injury is long-term.
“I do think he will be back on the court before the playoffs start,” Malone said pregame. “I don’t think this is a nine-game injury where he doesn’t play for the rest of the season.”
Murray has been out since he injured his ankle during the final minutes of Denver’s victory over the New York Knicks on March 21. With Murray out, guard Reggie Jackson has stepped up in the starting role.
Malone said Murray’s status for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers remains uncertain, as he doesn’t think Murray is ready to compete at the level the team expects from the former Kentucky guard.
The Nuggets are trying to manage the different bumps and bruises Murray has been dealing with all season, and there are benchmarks he has to cross before returning to the floor.
“He’s not there yet,” Malone said.
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