Denver's Rematch in New Orleans Should Not Require Another 42 From Murray
Four days after Jamal Murray's 42 points beat the Pelicans, Denver returns to New Orleans needing a win that spreads the work, and Cameron Johnson's ankle decides how far it can.
Denver is 1-2 and 10th in the West after a 134-114 home loss to Golden State, and plays at winless New Orleans tonight. Alpha Diallo was ruled out again on October 27, this time for personal reasons, while Johnson's estimated return is today.
The list moved again
Diallo's status changed twice on October 27. It ended at out, now listed as personal rather than the right wrist injury that kept him on and off the list all week, with an estimated return of October 30. Johnson has been on the list since his right ankle injury on October 22, and his estimated return is today. Spencer Jones's hamstring points to November 2. Strawther's knee points to November 29.
Why the first meeting is a warning
Denver beat New Orleans 141-135 on October 24 because Murray scored 42 and Jokic posted 35 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. Two players carrying that much while the defense gave up 135 is a result, not a method. The Pelicans have now lost three straight. Jordan Poole is listed with an illness and Yves Missi is out with a left knee injury.
Passing needs someone to finish it
Against Golden State, Jokic had 11 assists and still finished minus 16. The passes kept coming, but the shots around him did not fall: Jokic went 1 for 6 from three, Christian Braun 1 for 4 and Aaron Gordon 2 for 10 from the field. Bryce Hopkins started on the wing and was minus 21 in 31 minutes. Nugg Love's David Decker wrote that Johnson's absence has Denver searching for its lost three-point touch. In a separate piece, he warned about leaning so heavily on Murray.
Does Johnson play tonight?
That is the open question. If he plays, Hopkins goes back to a smaller role and Murray's 36 minutes on Monday no longer have to be the plan. If he doesn't, Denver plays at Phoenix on October 30 in an Emirates NBA Cup game, on the same day Diallo is expected back. Denver sits 1.5 games behind sixth-place Minnesota with 79 games left.
Is Cameron Johnson playing for the Nuggets against the Pelicans on October 28?
His right ankle injury has an estimated return of October 28, the date of the game. No final status has been announced.
How did the Nuggets do in their last game against the Pelicans?
Denver won 141-135 at home on October 24. Murray scored 42 points and Jokic had a triple-double of 35 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists.
