Is Jamal Murray playing tonight against Cleveland Cavaliers? Latest injury update on Nuggets guard (Dec. 27)  

Jamal Murray is expected to suit up for the Denver Nuggets in their Friday showdown against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Ball Arena. The guard missed one of the contests against the Phoenix Suns and is now listed as probable ahead of their skirmish against Donovan Mitchell and co.

Murray returned from his ankle injury on Wednesday against the Suns. There were still signs of discomfort though as he was yet to look at his usual self. Murray did play just over 29 minutes for his 13 points, six rebounds, and as many assists. He went 4-10 from the field and 1-2 from the deep. The Canadian star's availability comes as a massive boost for Denver as they look to bounce back from their loss against Phoenix.

Per the latest updated injury report, the Denver Nuggets ruled out forward Aaron Gordon (left calf strain), DaRon Holmes II (right Achilles tendon repair), and Vlatko Cancar (knee surgery rehabilitation).

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Jamal Murray stats vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Jamal Murray has enjoyed putting up sizeable numbers against the Cavaliers averaging 18.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 13 games so far. His best performance was the mammoth 50-point explosion in 2021 coupled with six rebounds two assists, and two steals. The Nuggets torched Cleveland 120-103 in the process.

Murray was clinical, shooting 21-25 from the field and 8-10 from the 3-point line. The Cavs had no answer for the red-hot guard as he weaved his way through their defense relentlessly. The present season has been rather up and down for Murray as he averages 18.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. The scoring average has been the lowest since his 2018-19 season (18.2 PPG).

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Jamal Murray trade rumors: Kendrick Perkins proposes trade that sends guard to Sacramento Kings

Earlier, former NBA star Kendrick Perkins proposed a trade idea that sees the Nuggets land Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox to replace Jamal Murray. The Boston Celtics legend opined that the latter's hot and cold performance has not been ideal and Fox would complement Nikola Jokic better if Denver intends to compete for a championship.

Speaking on the "Road Trippin'" podcast, Perkins explained the swap:

"De'Aaron Fox moves the needle more than Jamal Murray. I would keep an eye on that situation over there in Sacramento. Those reports that came out is not just some reports that just came out. ... This is real stuff that's going on."

It's unlikely that the Nuggets would ship Murray who was key in their championship run in 2023. But stranger things have happened in the NBA and only time will tell if they indeed put him on the trade block.