The Denver Nuggets face the Indiana Pacers in search of an important win for the NBA season, looking to take advantage of key absences on the opposing roster. However, one big question could shift the balance ahead of tipoff — will Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon play tonight?
On Saturday afternoon, the Denver Nuggets officially ruled out both Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon ahead of their matchup. Murray, who had been listed as questionable with a calf injury, will not play, removing any chance of a late return.
As for Aaron Gordon, he has also been ruled out due to injury management. The forward had been considered a game-time decision but will now sit out, as the Nuggets prioritize his long-term health after a strong start to the season.
If the Nuggets end up missing both Murray and Gordon, it would be a major blow for Denver. Nikola Jokic remains one of the best players in the world, but even he can’t do it all against a team like the Pacers — last season’s NBA finalists — despite Indiana’s own injury concerns, including the absence of Tyrese Haliburton.
Jamal Murray takes a shot against the New Orleans Pelicans.
How the Nuggets and Pacers arrive
The 1-7 Indiana Pacers open their four-game road trip against the 6-2 Denver Nuggets at 9 p.m. ET. Indiana is coming off a 112-103 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, who entered that game winless, while Denver rides a three-game winning streak — including a dominant 129-104 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday.
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Last season, the Pacers and Nuggets split their two-game series 1-1. However, before Indiana’s 125-120 win on April 6, the Pacers had lost nine straight against Denver. On Saturday, they’ll look to break through once again against the current No. 4 seed in the NBA Western Conference.
Positive news for the Pacers
The biggest bright spot on Indiana’s latest injury report is the update on guard Andrew Nembhard. The Canadian suffered a shoulder injury during the Pacers’ opening-night loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder and has yet to return. However, the team officially upgraded him to questionable for Saturday’s game. According to Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files, Nembhard “is on track to play” against Denver.
If Nembhard is cleared, it would be a major boost for the Pacers as they continue to deal with backcourt injuries. If not, they will likely turn to recently acquired Monte Morris, who is reportedly available to face his former team.
