Latest news on the worrying injury of Jamal Murray

Jamal Murray missed his fifth consecutive game with the Denver Nuggets this Sunday due to a right hamstring strain. Coach Michael Malone acknowledged that "hopefully" the Canadian guard can return in time for the start of the NBA playoffs.

Malone was clear in ruling out that it is simply a precautionary measure. "Jamal is injured. It's not that we are being cautious. He is really injured," he stated. The coach admitted it has been a strange injury: "Initially, it was day by day... and suddenly it wasn't. It's a significant loss, but we have enough resources. We have shown it several times. If Jamal can't play, others will have to step up and play with urgency and desperation."

Asked before the game against Indiana about Murray's chances of being ready for the postseason, Malone simply said, "We hope so."

The Nuggets fell to the Pacers this Sunday, extending their fourth consecutive loss, leaving them in a delicate position in a tightly contested Western Conference. The memory of the final stretch of last season, where Murray played limited by an ankle sprain, is not encouraging, especially after his poor performance in the playoffs against Minnesota and in the Olympic Games in Paris with the Canadian team.

On the other hand, the Pacers faced the game in Denver without Pascal Siakam, who is experiencing discomfort in his right elbow. A significant absence, especially when having to face Nikola Jokic, who is close to becoming the first player in history to finish a season in the top three in points, rebounds, and assists.

"It's a monumental task," acknowledged Indiana coach Rick Carlisle. "Jokic plays as if he were in all positions. He handles the ball, scores, rebounds, penetrates like a small forward. It's another historic year for him, and he has always made things difficult for us."

Malone also defended Russell Westbrook, who was heavily criticized for his errors in the final stretch of the loss to Minnesota (140-139 in double overtime). "We wouldn't be in fourth place with four games to play if it weren't for Russell," he said. "It's easy to get caught up in the recent events: he missed a layup, committed a foul... and many already want to distance themselves from him. I don't do that."

"I respect and value everything he has done for this team, on and off the court. And without Jamal, we need Russell. We need him to come in, provide energy, be a spark. Also, turnovers are not solely his fault. It's a collective issue," added the coach.

Malone concluded by highlighting the veteran guard's experience: "Russ knows what important games mean. And right now, we are using many players who have no clue about those games. Having someone who has been in those situations can give confidence to the others."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Última hora sobre la preocupante lesión de Jamal Murray