The Denver Nuggets are being swept away by a plague of casualties that is difficult to deal with. The Colorado franchise approached the season knowing that it may not be able to count on Jamal Murray for the entire course, but the weeks have been leaving one blow after another. First the back of Michael Porter Jr., who now threatens to dry dock him indefinitely. Then Nikola Jokic’s wrist, who was supporting the team with superlative performance. And finally, PJ Dozier and a torn ligament that could also end his season.
At least the Nuggets can celebrate the return of the reigning MVP for one of the most demanding games on the schedule. Although it is not safe, Denver has located Jokic as ‘probable’ for today’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks in Wisconsin. The final decision will depend on how the Serb responds to the sessions leading up to tonight’s match. The center has missed the last three games, which Denver has had losses, one of them by 29 points against the Phoenix Suns.
In front they will have some Bucks already almost completely recovered from their own plague of casualties. The champions have been on a five-game winning streak since Khris Middleton recovered from his injury. With Antetokounmpo, Holiday and Middleton on the track, those of Budenholzer sign an immaculate 7-0 while waiting to recover important pieces such as Donte DiVincenzo, Brook Lopez or Rodney Hood.
For his part, Mike Malone has no choice but to pull the bus to solve his ill fate with injuries. Losing sucks. It must hurt, frustrate, and ashamed of how you know defeat. We can’t wait for Michael or Jamal, we have to fix it. We will only be able to do so if we stay united and psyched up, “said the coach after his last loss to Portland.
(Cover photo by Justin Tafoya / Getty Images)
