Nuggets' Jamal Murray: Not expected to play in playoffs
Rotowire
Murray (knee) is not expected to return during the playoffs, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
This is a tough blow for the Nuggets, as Murray will likely end up missing the entire 2021-22 campaign after tearing his ACL in April of last season. The focus will now presumably be getting him on the right track to return first thing during next season's training camp. Michael Porter (back) is also not expected to return during the playoffs.
Nuggets' Jamal Murray: 'Not close' to returning to lineup
Rotowire
Nuggets coach Michael Malone said Sunday that Murray (knee) is "not close" to rejoining the team's lineup, Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports reports.
Murray was back with the Nuggets on Sunday after a stint with the Grand Rapids Drive during which he practiced with the Nuggets' G League affiliate. All indications are that Murray continues to make progress as he works back from a torn ACL, but Malone's words Sunday are not the most encouraging update. There's still hope that the star guard could be back before the end of the regular season, but with only three weeks remaining, that's far from a guarantee.
Nuggets' Jamal Murray: To begin practicing in G League
Rotowire
Murray (knee) will practice with the Nuggets' G League affiliate this week, Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports reports.
While the Nuggets have been hesitant to put any timetable on Murray's recovery from a torn left ACL, he looks to be nearing the final stages. Denver officially assigned Murray to the G League on Tuesday with the expectation that he'll practice with Grand Rapids on Wednesday and Saturday while the Nuggets are in the midst of a three-game road swing. We should have some more clarity on Murray's timeline once he rejoins the Nuggets -- presumably on Sunday -- but it remains to be seen whether or not he'll be able to log any NBA game action before the conclusion of the regular season.
