The Nuggets will look to close out the Lakers in Game 5 of their first-round series.
But Denver's goal of advancing to the next round of the NBA Playoffs could be more difficult than expected due to an injury to one of its stars.
Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray is dealing with a left calf strain ahead of Game 5 of the series, which brings the teams back to Denver's Ball Arena. The Nuggets hold a 3-1 lead in the series, but Lakers star LeBron James is no easy out.
With the Lakers on the ropes, will Murray be ready to participate in Monday's Game 5? Here's what we know about his status.
MORE: Revisiting the iconic story behind the LeBron James 3-1 meme
Is Jamal Murray playing in Game 5?
Jamal Murray is expected to play in Monday's Game 5 against the Lakers, per Adrian Wojnarowski.
ESPN Sources: Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray (calf strain) is expected to play in Game 5 vs. the Lakers tonight. Murray is averaging 21.5 points in this opening-round series that Denver leads, 3-1. https://t.co/WnMsDTaLtb
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 30, 2024
Wojnarowski's report comes shortly after Nuggets head coach Michael Malone said Murray will warm up, but they won't risk "further injury." The Nuggets guard was listed as questionable throughout Monday leading up to the game.
The 27-year-old appeared to sustain the injury in Sunday's Game 4 loss to the Lakers, though he finished with 22 points in 39 minutes on 9-for-23 shooting. He also contributed six rebounds and five assists.
In the 2023-24 regular season, Murray averaged 21.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game for the Nuggets.
Denver guard Reggie Jackson is dealing with a sprained left ankle, but he is listed as probable for Game 5. Jackson would likely slot in at point guard if Murray is sidelined.
MORE: Complete list of winners for NBA's end-of-season awards
What channel is Lakers vs. Nuggets?
- TV channel: TNT
- Live stream: Sling
Game 5 of Lakers vs. Nuggets will air nationally on TNT. Fans can also stream the game on Sling.
Sling is the home for the avid sports fans, offering a range of sports channels so you can always cheer for your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1 and more.
[hyperlink widget_catalog_id="Sling_linkline" link="https://sling-tv.pxf.io/c/2436205/1268416/14334?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sling.com%2Fprogramming%2Fsports%2Fbasketball" title="2024 NBA Playoffs live on Sling" more_text="WATCH:"]
What time is Nuggets vs. Lakers tonight?
- Date: Monday, April 29
- Time: 10 p.m. ET | 8 p.m. MT | 7 p.m. PT
Lakers vs. Nuggets will tip off around 10 p.m. ET on Monday, April 29. The game will be played at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
Lakers vs. Nuggets schedule
Game 5 will be played in Denver, as would a potential Game 7, while a potential Game 6 would be played in Los Angeles. Here is the complete schedule for Lakers vs. Nuggets:
| Date | Game/Result | Time (ET) | TV channel/Live stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 20 | Nuggets 114, Lakers 103 | -- | -- |
| April 22 | Nuggets 101, Lakers 99 | -- | -- |
| April 25 | Nuggets 112, Lakers 105 | -- | -- |
| April 27 | Lakers 119, Nuggets 108 | -- | -- |
| April 29 | Game 5 | 10 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| May 2 | Game 6* | TBD | TBD |
| May 4 | Game 7* | TBD | TNT, Sling |
*If necessary
