The Denver Nuggets just can’t seem to get their entire roster together this season. Returning home from a season-long seven-game road trip, the Nuggets will face the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, but several notable players are facing game-time decisions.
Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon headline a nine-player injury report for the non-conference matchup. Murray has been dealing with a left ankle sprain. The guard has been making a case for a potential NBA All-Star selection, averaging 25.3 points, 7.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds this season.
Murray missed the Nuggets’ Jan. 5 overtime win over the Philadelphia 76ers. However, he was upgraded to play in the following game against the Boston Celtics, which Denver lost 114-110. He is listed as probable for Friday’s game against the Hawks. Barring any setbacks, Murray is expected to suit up.
Aaron Gordon is also listed as probable due to ongoing hamstring issues. Like Murray, he missed the game against the 76ers before returning against the Celtics. Prior to that, Gordon missed 19 games with the same hamstring injury, prompting the Nuggets’ medical staff to be especially cautious in managing his minutes.
Murray and Gordon aren’t the only Denver players entering the matchup with question marks, as three additional players have uncertain statuses. Christian Braun, who recently returned after missing nearly two months of action with a left ankle sprain, is also listed as probable. Bruce Brown carries the same designation while dealing with right knee inflammation and forward Spencer Jones is listed as questionable due to an ankle issue.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic (hyperextended knee) and Jonas Valanciunas (calf strain) remain out. Both big men are expected to return within a reasonable recovery window of approximately three weeks.
The team has proven it can win without Jokic, but the Hawks are likely to present a bigger challenge as they enter a new era following the trade of Trae Young to the Washington Wizards.
How to Watch Atlanta Hawks vs Denver Nuggets
The Hawks vs Nuggets matchup will take place at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, with tipoff scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. This marks the second and final non-conference meeting between the two teams this season. Denver won the previous matchup 134-133, led by Nikola Jokic’s 40-point performance.
The game will be televised on FDSS, ALT, WANF and Peachtree Sports Network. Fans can also watch the game via live stream on Fubo, while international viewers can tune in using NBA League Pass.
Read More: Atlanta Hawks vs Denver Nuggets Prediction, Odds – Jan. 9 | 2025-26 NBA Season
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