Jamal

Murray

Murray has scored 24 points or more in four of his last five appearances, most recently picking up the slack offensively with Nikola Jokic (ankle) unavailable. Over the past month, the Nuggets guard has provided first-round value in nine-cat formats. The only negative for Murray managers is Denver’s remaining schedule for Week 21. They only play two more games and will be done on Friday.

Murray and Braun were initially probable for Monday’s game. They’ll remain in the starting lineup, and Braun should have more offensive opportunities since Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic are out.

Murray and Braun are on track to be available for Monday’s game, which is good news for a Nuggets team that will not have Nikola Jokic. Once cleared, they’ll occupy their usual places in the starting lineup.

With Nikola Jokic (ankle) still sidelined, Murray was outstanding on Sunday. The 39 points are the most he’s scored in a game since February 12, when the Nuggets guard dropped 55 on the Trail Blazers. Over the past two weeks, Murray has provided top 20 per-game value in eight- and nine-cat formats. While the Nuggets hope to get Jokic back at some point during their upcoming homestand, Murray will have to shoulder more of the offensive workload until that happens. The Nuggets play three home games during Week 21, and the Joker has already been ruled out for Monday’s game against the Bulls.

Murray and Braun were initially probable for Sunday’s game. They’ll be in their usual places within the Nuggets’ starting lineup, joining Russell Westbrook, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon.

Murray played 35 minutes in Friday’s loss to Portland, starting alongside Russell Westbrook and Christian Braun. With Murray and Braun probable and Nikola Jokic (ankle) out, the Nuggets may go small again on Sunday.

Following a two-game absence, Murray will be back in the lineup to take on Portland. Nikola Jokic is still out, so Murray will be tasked with taking on a larger role on offense. One of Russell Westbrook or Peyton Watson will be pushed back to the bench.

Murray has missed Denver’s last two games but could return against Portland. Russell Westbrook has been an assists machine with Murray out of the lineup, but he will likely return to a reserve role if Murray returns on Tuesday.

This comes on the heels of an ESPN report that the Nuggets’ pair of stars were doubtful so it isn’t a surprise that Jokic and Murray aren’t playing. This boosts everyone else’s fantasy value on Denver. Russell Westbrook and Peyton Watson should move into the starting lineup as replacements.

Jokic and Murray have not officially been ruled out, but it appears likely that both will miss a second straight game. According to MacMahon, Murray was laboring while playing 1-on-1 with an assistant coach during his individual workout. Russell Westbrook and Peyton Watson are the likely replacements in the starting lineup.