Is Jamal Murray playing tonight? Exploring the Nuggets guard’s availability vs Utah Jazz | 2024-25 NBA season

Jamal Murray will not play for the Denver Nuggets on Saturday against the Utah Jazz. The point guard suffered a concussion in the third quarter of the Nuggets’ 119-116 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. After Julius Randle’s inadvertent hit, Murray was taken to the locker room before the Nuggets ruled him out.

Murray is prohibited from engaging in any basketball-related activity in the next 48 hours, per the NBA rule book. Players under the concussion protocol have different recovery periods. Usually, they are sidelined for at least a week before they get the green signal to play.

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How many games will Jamal Murray miss?

The Denver Nuggets have four games during Murray’s presumed recovery time under the concussion protocol. They face the Utah Jazz on Saturday, the Toronto Raptors on Monday, the OKC Thunder on Wednesday and the Miami Heat on Friday. If all goes as planned, he could suit up for the Nuggets on Sunday, Nov. 10, against the Dallas Mavericks.

The Nuggets will have a clearer picture in the next few days when he could make his return. He will be monitored by league and team officials before he gets the clearance to play again.

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Mike Malone will lean on the struggling Russell Westbrook while Jamal Murray recovers from concussion

The Denver Nuggets acquired Russell Westbrook in the offseason to become Jamal Murray’s primary backup. With “Glitch” out for approximately one week, Mike Malone will lean more on the former MVP.

In five games for his new team, all coming off the bench, Westbrook is averaging 9.8 points, 3.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 19.8 minutes per game. However, he is 11-for-45 (27%), including 3-for-13 from deep (25.0%). The Nuggets are -51 when he plays.

Russell Westbrook might find more rhythm with increased playing time due to Murray's absence. He didn't shoot well against the Timberwolves, finishing 1-for-8, including 0-for-3 in 3-pointers, but he had a positive impact in other areas. Westbrook's energy, hustle and leadership nearly helped the Nuggets get a road win.