The Denver Nuggets will play their final regular-season home game at Ball Arena on Friday when they host Ja Morant and the Grizzlies. It'll be a battle between the two NBA teams that surprisingly parted ways with their head coaches within the last two weeks.
Denver snapped its four-game losing streak on Wednesday in Sacramento, the team's first game since Michael Malone and Calvin Booth were fired. Every Nuggets starter scored 20+ points except for Jalen Pickett, who finished with 18. It was the definition of a team win, and it couldn't have come at a better time.
Fans hope that Jamal Murray will return in time for the postseason, whether that be the Play-In Tournament or the first round of the playoffs (or both if the Nuggets advance past the Play-In to the first round). He hasn't played since March 26 because of a strained right hamstring. The Athletic reported on Thursday that Murray was "likely to return" (subscription required) on Friday against the Grizzlies.
According to the latest injury update, it doesn't seem like Murray will play. If he doesn't play on Friday, his last chance to play in the regular season will be on Sunday when Denver travels to Houston.
Jamal Murray's status for tonight's game vs. Grizzlies
Jamal Murray (hamstring) is listed as doubtful.
UPDATE: Jamal Murray is available.
Nuggets injury report
Jamal Murray (hamstring) is doubtful. DaRon Holmes II (Achilles) is out.
UPDATE: Jamal Murray is available.
Grizzlies injury report
Memphis hasn't released its injury report after playing on Thursday. Zyon Pullin (knee), Jaylen Wells (wrist), and Brandon Clarke (knee) didn't play against the Timberwolves.
UPDATE: Jaylen Wells, Brandon Clarke, and Zyon Pullin are out against the Nuggets.
Projected starting lineups tonight
Denver: Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokic
Memphis: Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Vince Williams Jr., Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Edey
How to watch Grizzlies at Nuggets April 11
Memphis at Denver won't be nationally televised, but it will be available on Altitude TV and NBA League Pass. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. MT.
Nuggets' playoff outlook
Denver is currently the No. 4 seed in the West with a 48-32 record, one game behind the 49-31 Lakers. The Clippers are 48-32 and are fifth in the conference.
The Nuggets can't finish lower than No. 8 in the West, but the goal is to finish in the top six to avoid the Play-In Tournament altogether.