Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets' star center, has refused to rest despite recent setbacks. Following a loss earlier in the week, Jokic delivered a remarkable performance with 35 points, 18 rebounds, and 8 assists, leading his team to victory against the Western Conference's first-place team. However, the Nuggets will face the Golden State Warriors without both Jokic and Jamal Murray, as they have been listed as questionable due to injuries. Jokic is dealing with a right elbow contusion and a left ankle impingement, while Murray is suffering from a right ankle sprain.
The decision to rest Jokic comes after he averaged an impressive 39.8 minutes over eight games in March. Head Coach Michael Malone had earlier attempted to convince Jokic to take a break on March 10, but the resilient player insisted on continuing. Unfortunately, the accumulated strain and injuries have made it necessary for both Jokic and Murray to sit out Monday's road game against the Warriors. As a result, the Nuggets, who have lost two of their last three games, must navigate this challenge without two of their key players.
Adding to the Nuggets' woes, Christian Braun will also miss the game due to left foot inflammation. The absence of Braun further complicates Denver's lineup as they strive to maintain their standing in the Western Conference. Entering Monday's game, the Nuggets were part of a three-way tie for second place in the West, highlighting the importance of every match as they approach the playoffs.
The official injury report for Monday's game against the Warriors cites Jokic's and Murray's injuries as the reason for their absence. The Nuggets' health concerns arrive at a critical point in the season, with every game holding significant playoff implications. Despite these challenges, the team remains hopeful that Jokic and Murray will recover swiftly and return to bolster their playoff push.
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