Jamal Murray listed as questionable with calf strain for Game 5 vs. Lakers
Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, who was shown limping in Game 4, is listed as questionable with a calf strain for Game 5 against the Lakers.
The Lakers, who have battled injuries all season long, could be on the opposite end of notable injury news. Ahead of Game 5, Jamal Murray has been listed as questionable with a calf strain.
Murray was seen grimacing and struggling at times in the fourth quarter of Game 4.
Nuggets injury news: Jamal Murray has a left calf strain. He’s officially listed as questionable for tomorrow’s Game 5.
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) April 28, 2024
It should be noted that Murray never came out of Game 4. He still played 39 minutes in the contest and all but six seconds in the fourth quarter.
But, theoretically, if he is not available, it immediately makes things interesting. Reggie Jackson, his backup, is also dealing with foot injuries. He played in Game 4 but was not 100%. Even at 100%, he’s a very limited backup that the Lakers could take advantage of, particularly defensively. And after Jackson, the Nuggets haven’t played another point guard this series.
It would also eliminate Murray’s and Nikola Jokic’s deadly two-man game, which the Lakers, along with every other team, struggle to stop. Even if Murray is healthy and able to play, this type of injury lingers and will be something he has to play through for however much longer the series goes on.
Perhaps it makes the Nuggets a bit more desperate to end the series in Game 5 so that they can heal up before the next round, but it certainly will change how the Nuggets approach the game.
Obviously, this involves many hypotheticals and “what ifs,” but it’s a huge injury that could really sway the series. Paired with the potential return of Jarred Vanderbilt, injuries could really change the dynamic of this series.
The Lakers still have absolutely no wiggle room and it could ultimately not matter in this series as they are one game away from bowing out of the playoffs. But a return from Vando paired with a potential absence of Murray would completely change how both teams feel about the series.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.