The Denver Nuggets have been killing it so far this season. Surprisingly, they won a couple of games even without Jamal Murray in rotation. Their lineup has been nothing short of impressive under the leadership of 2x MVP Nikola Jokic. The defending champions are targeting a second title reign as they rank atop the Western Conference chart with an 8-1 record.
Congrats to Nikola Jokic of the @nuggets for moving to 4th all-time in regular season triple-doubles! pic.twitter.com/15OtsYSlC9
— NBA (@NBA) November 7, 2023
The Houston Rockets will be their opponents tonight at the Toyota Center. Even though the Rockets have yet to show up with a fully healthy roster including Amen Thompson, their off-season moves have certainly brought a lot of positive change. They currently ranked fifth in the West with a 5-3 record. Houston is coming off a five-game win streak including an impressive takedown of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Jamal Murray is not available for the Rockets vs. Nuggets game
Unfortunately, Jamal Murray is nowhere near his return date. The 2023 ESPYs Comeback Player of the Year suffered from a hamstring strain a few days ago and is likely to be sidelined for the rest of this month. Forward Vlatko Cancar will not be returning either as he underwent an on his left knee recently. The Nuggets will have the rest of their starstudded lineup ready to battle the Rockets.
Picking up where we left off pic.twitter.com/JGtpCX3EtN
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) November 10, 2023
Houston’s injury report doesn’t seem any different from their last game. Amen Thompson will continue rehab but chances are he will return very soon. He is expected to make a recovery within the next two to three weeks. Victor Oladipo remains out as well. Despite the minor setbacks, the Rockets will have their entire starting lineup play tonight.
Houston Rockets Injury Report:
- Amen Thompson (Out)
- Victor Oladipo (Out)
Houston Rockets Expected Lineup:
- Fred VanVleet
- Jalen Green
- Dillon Brooks
- Jabari Smith Jr.
- Alperen Sengun
Denver Nuggets Injury Report
- Jamal Murray (Out)
- Vlatko Cancar (Out)
Denver Nuggets Expected Lineup:
- Reggie Jackson
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- Michael Porter Jr.
- Aaron Gordon
- Nikola Jokic
Will the Rockets capitalize on Jamal Murray’s absence from the Nuggets roster?
The Rockets have pulled off a couple of impressive victories over the last few weeks. Jalen Green has stepped up as their best player this season averaging 20.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Alperen Sengun is probably someone the Nuggets have to worry about as he’s currently averaging 19 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. He had a brilliant 24-point game against the New Orleans Pelicans and showed out on defense as well.
“This is old man basketball!”
Alperen Sengun put up 24 PTS (73% FG), 8 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL, 1 Dirk shot & 1 behind-the-back move and dunk during the Rockets’ 5th win in a row 🚀pic.twitter.com/9l164WEGIv
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) November 11, 2023
The Nuggets are still as powerful as they were with Jamal Murray in the lineup. However, they will have to play harder without their best guard who has been averaging 16.3 points per game. Jokic continues to separate himself from the others averaging historic numbers. He has had two consecutive 35-point games with Murray while recording rebounds and assists in nearly double digits. The Nuggets are the favorites to win this game.