Jamal Murray gets interesting status update before Game 1 against Minnesota

Feb 8, 2020; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts in the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Four days after sending the Los Angeles Lakers to The Bahamas, Jamal Murray still appears to be far from 100 percent.

On Friday, the Denver Nuggets offered a status update on their star guard Murray ahead of Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. Murray is officially listed as questionable due to his left calf strain.

The smart money is probably on Murray playing in Game 1. He was in sublime form during the Nuggets’ last game, a series-clinching victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday in which Murray poured in 32 points and another game-winner. He also has extra incentive to play since the first two games of the series are in Denver, meaning that the Nuggets need to protect homecourt advantage.

But this is a good reminder that Murray is still a bit gimpy right now as he faces a tough matchup against the Minnesota backcourt of Mike Conley and Anthony Edwards. The Nuggets might be wise to spread the wealth a bit more and stay away from another Lakers-esque carry job from Murray.