DETROIT — Jamal Murray is unlikely to return during the remainder of the Nuggets’ five-game road trip this week, coach Michael Malone said Monday afternoon, meaning the point guard is expected to miss Denver’s in-season tournament group stage finale Friday in Houston.
The Nuggets’ game against the Pistons on Monday night is the seventh Murray has missed since suffering a strained right hamstring Nov. 4 vs. the Bulls. Entering the matchup in Detroit, Denver (9-4) was 3-3 without Murray — perfect at home, winless on the road. Reggie Jackson has taken his place in the starting lineup.
“He’s progressing, but I think there’s still some work to be done for him to get back and to be cleared,” Malone said.
Murray has been traveling with the team while injured. As the Nuggets were attempting to complete a 20-point comeback last Friday at New Orleans, he was involved in the huddle and having conversations with Malone and lead assistant coach David Adelman.