Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray ruled out vs. Suns

PHOENIX – Whatever questions existed about how the Nuggets would navigate Thursday’s marquee contest against the Suns were extinguished by an injury report that could’ve doubled as an infirmary report.

Nikola Jokic (calf tightness) and Jamal Murray (thumb sprain) were officially ruled out hours before the Nuggets needed to make that news official. Murray had exited Tuesday’s loss at Houston in the first half after appearing to aggravate his right thumb, but he wasn’t officially ruled out until Thursday afternoon. Jokic had missed the prior three games before returning against the Rockets.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone said he didn’t think Murray’s injury was anything long-term.

Numerous other players, including Michael Porter Jr. (heel management), Aaron Gordon (shoulder inflammation) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (non-COVID illness), were all ruled out less than two hours before tip-off. All three players got shots up prior to Thursday’s game, suggesting none of the aforementioned injuries were too serious.

Zeke Nnaji (knee sprain) was questionable as well, though he was ultimately made available.

Denver started Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, Bruce Brown, Reggie Jackson and DeAndre Jordan on Thursday night.

As the Nuggets traveled from Houston to Phoenix late Wednesday, their postseason fate was secured. By virtue of Memphis’ loss to New Orleans on Wednesday, the Nuggets clinched the No. 1 seed in the West for the first time in their NBA history. With three games left in the regular season (at Phoenix, at Utah, vs. Sacramento), the Nuggets are being cautious.

There was no need to overextend any of their key players, and frankly, little reason to show Phoenix what Denver can do at full strength. If they collide, the Suns will see that in the playoffs.

Malone was eager to get his full team healthy and intact prior to Tuesday’s game against the Rockets. He also wanted them to gel, owing to Jokic’s recent absence. But with the No. 1 seed secure, Denver can game the end of the regular season exactly how it wants. On Thursday, they opted for preservation.

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