Denver Nuggets: 3 questions entering the All-Star break

The Denver Nuggets pulled off a gutsy win against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday as they picked up a win before the All-Star break.

While some players on both sides looked like they were sleepwalking towards a well-deserved All-Star holiday, the league’s MVP, Nikola Jokic, didn’t want to lose this one, putting up an all-time game with 35 points, 17 rebounds, and eight assists.

And there was, of course, the game-winning shot by Big Game Tae.

Denver enters the break sixth in the Western Conference, sitting one game behind fifth in the loss column and quite a substantial lead over the seventh-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. Things are looking great for a Nuggets squad that shouldn’t be sitting this pretty without Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray.

Despite the excellent first half of the season, there are still plenty of questions around the Denver Nuggets moving forward so let’s get into them:

Denver Nuggets pre-All-Star break questions: Will we see Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray this season?

Jamal Murray tore his ACL in April 2021, an injury that typically takes a year to recover from.

Michael Porter Jr. has a less clear injury timeline but since the Denver Nuggets were awarded a disabled player exception for the remainder of the season, it’s not looking likely.

Despite those two pieces of information, Nuggets fans are constantly getting reminded of the possibility that either of these two could return to Ball Arena this season.

Mike Singer, The Denver Post reported last week that after no trades were made at the 2022 trade deadline, the biggest additions might be in-house:

"“Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray are expected to each be physically cleared to return before the end of the regular season, a source said.”"

He adds that the Nuggets have consistently played the long game when it comes to Jamal’s injury and are in no rush to get him back on the court if it could mean further injury. Singer says that there’s also no reason to expect that, despite looking good in warm-ups, MPJ will be able to play this season:

"“In some ways, the Nuggets have needed to pump the brakes on Porter’s eventual return. As with everything this season, the long view is essential.”"

The Denver Nuggets are playing well above their heads this season and while a roster without Jamal or MPJ won’t win a title, there’s no reason to rush back this season and risk ruining next season’s title push.

For now, operate as if both players aren’t touching the court this season and playoffs.