Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray on injury report against Cavs

The Denver Nuggets will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday due to injury concerns, both Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray appear on the team’s injury report. Denver beat the Chicago Bulls on the road 136-120 on Saturday, snapping a three-game losing streak, but health remains a concern heading into the All-Star break.

Jokic is considered probable with a sprained left ankle. The reigning MVP candidate has played in the Nuggets’ last five games since returning from a knee injury and has logged more than 30 minutes in each of his last three outings, despite the initial plan to limit his workload. In 37 games this season, Jokic averaged 28.9 points, 12.2 rebounds and 10.7 assists, while shooting 59.4 percent from the field and 42.5 percent from three-point range.

The 30-year-old posted triple-doubles in 18 of those 37 games, including back-to-back stellar performances. Jokic had 30 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in a double overtime loss to the New York Knicks 134-127. with 22 points, 14 rebounds and 17 assists against the Bulls.

Murray’s availability, meanwhile, is less certain. Denver’s All-Star guard was listed as questionable with left hip inflammation after exiting Saturday’s game late in regulation. Coach David Adelman said he is confident Murray has avoided serious injury, but that his status will be determined closer to tip-off. Murray has appeared in 48 games this season and is averaging 26.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 7.5 assists while shooting 48.8 percent overall and 43.2 percent from long range.

In addition to Jokic and Murray, the Nuggets’ injury report includes Christian Brown (probable sprained left ankle), along with Aaron Gordon (right hamstring strain), Peyton Watson (right hamstring strain) and Spencer Jones (concussion protocol), all ruled out.

On the other hand, the Cavaliers arrive in Denver with momentum on their side, having won eight of their last nine games and 10 of their last 12. However, Cleveland is also dealing with absences, including Evan Mobley, who has missed five straight games with a left calf strain. The Cavaliers are 7–4 this season without Mobley, although only two of those wins have come against teams above .500. Max Struss remains out after surgery on his left foot, while Jaylon Tyson and Dean Wade are questionable with sprained left ankles.

The matchup will be one of Cleveland’s early tests since adding James Harden, who had 23 points and eight assists. in his debut against the Sacramento Kingswith tip-off set for 9:00 PM EST.