Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray Return Timeline Injury Update: Will the Nuggets Stars Play vs Pacers?

Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray appeared on the Denver Nuggets injury report ahead of the December 3 matchup against the Indiana Pacers. The team listed Jokic as probable and Murray as questionable as Denver begins a four-game road trip. The main keyword appears early to ensure full SEO alignment.

Both players were evaluated after Monday’s loss to Dallas. Denver will issue final updates closer to the 7 p.m. ET tipoff at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray Return Timeline Injury Update for December 3

The Nuggets listed Nikola Jokic with a left wrist sprain. He was upgraded to probable after testing mobility and soreness levels during Tuesday morning activities. Jokic played 37 minutes against the Mavericks and produced a dominant triple-double. He finished with 29 points, 20 rebounds, and 13 assists. He also collected two blocks and one steal.

Jokic has opened the season with one of the strongest statistical stretches of his career. Through 20 games, he is averaging 29 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 11.1 assists. He is shooting 62.1% from the field and 43.8% from three. Those numbers place him among early MVP frontrunners, according to national coverage from major outlets such as AP and CNN.

Jamal Murray remains on the injury report with a right ankle sprain. Denver listed him as questionable. Murray played 26 minutes against Dallas and recorded 10 points, nine assists, and four rebounds. He shot 3-for-8 from the floor and 2-for-3 from deep.

Murray has carried consistent ankle soreness across multiple recent game logs. Through 19 games, he is averaging 23.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.5 rebounds. He is shooting 48.3% overall and 41.5% from three. Denver continues to monitor his workload as the team enters a demanding travel stretch.

This matchup is the second meeting between Denver and Indiana this season. Denver won the first meeting on November 8 with a 117–100 victory even without Murray. Jokic delivered 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists in that win. This context helps establish how Denver adjusts when one or both stars are limited.

How Denver Adjusts if Nikola Jokic or Jamal Murray Sit Out

The Nuggets rely heavily on Jokic for offensive creation, rebounding stability, and late-game control. Any limitation to his status shifts a large scoring and playmaking load to Denver’s supporting cast. Reggie Jackson and Michael Porter Jr. typically assume increased touches in these situations.

If Murray is limited or unavailable, Denver turns to Jackson and rookie Julian Strawther for backcourt production. Murray’s ball-handling and spacing remain central to Denver’s half-court offense. His ankle issue has required careful management since early November.

The Nuggets enter the game at 14–6 and aim to stay near the top of the Western Conference. Indiana remains in an early-season slump at 4–17. Denver continues its road trip later this week with stops in Atlanta, Charlotte, and Sacramento.

The team will provide final status updates for Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray closer to tipoff. Their return timeline remains dependent on pre-game warmup evaluations.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Are Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray expected to play tonight?

Jokic is listed as probable. Murray is listed as questionable. Denver will confirm final statuses near tipoff.

Q2: What injuries are Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray managing?

Jokic has a left wrist sprain. Murray is dealing with a right ankle sprain.

Q3: How have Jokic and Murray performed this season?

Jokic is averaging 29 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 11.1 assists. Murray is averaging 23.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.5 rebounds.

Q4: When is the Nuggets vs Pacers game?

The game tips off at 7 p.m. ET on December 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Q5: How did the first Nuggets vs Pacers matchup end?

Denver won 117–100 on November 8. Jokic posted a triple-double in that game.