Preview: Denver Nuggets try to beat the Cavaliers after All-Star break

DENVER, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 10: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at Ball Arena on February 10, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 10: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at Ball Arena on February 10, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets are back on the schedule after taking a week off for the All-Star break in Salt Lake City. They’re set to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers, and will try to get out to a hot streak to start the last stretch of the season before the playoffs. They’re on pace to match the franchise record for wins in a season, and with a very good stretch of play to close out the season, they may be able to even beat it.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been victim to a great Jamal Murray game in the past – his iconic 50 point performance without a single free throw took place against the Cavaliers on February 19th, 2021. He’s also slated to likely make his return to the lineup tonight after missing nearly three weeks of action due to knee inflammation on his right knee (not the knee he tore his ACL in). He’s currently listed as questionable, but indicated in a practice earlier in the week that he would play on his birthday.

He is likely itching to get back on the court, and missing the All-Star game may serve as motivation for him to prove he belongs among the league’s elite. People who pay attention know he’s that good, but with his injury causing him to have a relatively slow start to the season he couldn’t quite break into the All-Star game this season. With his history against the Cavaliers, it being his birthday, and him coming back after a while off – Jamal Murray may be set to have a great performance.

Where, Who, When, etc.

CLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 19: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets drives around Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 19, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Nuggets defeated the Cavaliers 120-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 19: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets drives around Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 19, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Nuggets defeated the Cavaliers 120-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Who: Denver Nuggets (41-18, 14-14 away) at Cleveland Cavaliers (38-23, 25-6 home)

Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH

When: 5:00 PM MST

Injuries: DEN – Jamal Murray (right knee inflammation) QUESTIONABLE, Aaron Gordon (left rib contusion) OUT, Zeke Nnaji (right shoulder sprain) OUT

CLE – Ricky Rubio (knee management) OUT