Jamal Murray unlikely to return during Nuggets’ road trip

Field Level Media|published: Tue 21st November, 11:24 2023

Nov 4, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone checks on guard Jamal Murray (27) in the second quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Ball Arena. credits: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Guard Jamal Murray is not expected to play during the remaining games on the Denver Nuggets' road trip.

Murray has been out since injuring his right hamstring in a Nov. 4 win over the visiting Chicago Bulls. He had previously battled hamstring trouble this season.

"He's progressing, but I think there's still some work to be done for him to get back and to be cleared," head coach Michael Malone said Monday, according to The Denver Post.

Murray, 26, is averaging 16.3 points and 7.4 assists through seven games this season.

He has traveled with the team since the injury and has been seen actively involved in conversations with teammates and coaches during games.

"I think it speaks to just his engagement," Malone said, per the Post. "I think Jamal is a guy that is, whether he's playing or he's not playing, he cares about his teammates. He cares about the team, and he's gonna do everything he can to help.

"Right now we're playing a lot of young payers, so the impact that Jamal can have on a Jalen Pickett or a Collin (Gillespie) or a Julian (Strawther), Peyton (Watson), whoever it may be, that can be really impactful. So you love to see how engaged he is and how into the games he is as well."

The defending NBA champion Nuggets (10-4) improved to 4-3 in Murray's absence with a 107-103 win over the Detroit Pistons Monday.

Denver is 1-2 on this road trip, which concludes Friday after games at Orlando and Houston. The Nuggets return home Sunday to face the San Antonio Spurs.

—Field Level Media