Particle.news
Download on the App Store
20 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Nuggets and Lakers Clash Without Jokic, Murray, and LeBron in Key Playoff Race

Denver's stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, along with Los Angeles' LeBron James, were ruled out for the pivotal Western Conference matchup on March 19, 2025, as Luka Doncic returned to lead the Lakers.

Mar 19, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Mar 19, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Christian Koloko (10), guard Gabe Vincent (7), forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) and guard Luka Doncic (77) defend a drive by Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Mar 15, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts to a leg injury in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images/File Photo
Mar 19, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots over Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray missed their second consecutive game for the Nuggets due to injuries, with Jokic nursing elbow and ankle issues and Murray sidelined by an ankle sprain.
  • LeBron James was absent for the sixth straight game for the Lakers due to a groin strain, while Rui Hachimura also remained out for his eleventh consecutive game with a knee injury.
  • Luka Doncic returned to the Lakers' lineup despite dealing with a right ankle sprain, aiming to lead the team in a critical seeding battle in the Western Conference standings.
  • The Nuggets hold a narrow one-game lead over the Lakers in the standings, with both teams vying for a higher playoff seed in a tightly contested race.
  • Denver's decision to sit Jokic and Murray has drawn scrutiny, but coach Michael Malone emphasized the players' injuries rather than strategic rest as the reason for their absence.