The Denver Nuggets sit atop the Western Conference. They trail only one Eastern Conference team, the Boston Celtics, for the NBA’s best record. But they may face some added adversity on Tuesday: the latest Jamal Murray injury update reveals that the star guard is questionable due to knee injury management. The Nuggets will face the New Orleans Pelicans at home on Thursday, and bettors must seriously consider whether Jamal Murray is playing tonight before placing their wagers.
The Nuggets and Pelicans will tip off at 10 p.m. ET, which means bettors and NBA DFS players may not get an update until quite late. Those looking for an edge should heed this advice or check out the OddsShopper tools for sharp NBA bets. A full subscription to OddsShopper will help you find +ROI bets and become a profitable sports bettor!
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Jamal Murray Injury Update – NBA Betting Impact
The Denver Nuggets have worked hard to ease Jamal Murray back from his torn ACL. Murray sat out all of the 2021-22 season and has missed eight games this year, including multiple second legs of back-to-back sets. Although the Nuggets haven’t played since Saturday, they’ll have to play a back-to-back this weekend.
Few patterns have emerged from Murray’s injury management program. However, the Nuggets did rule him out the last time he picked up a questionable tag because of it: last Wednesday’s road game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Murray’s other absences that weren’t on the second leg of back-to-backs came against the Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors — all tough opponents.
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If Jamal Murray isn’t playing, expect Bruce Brown to start. Brown has frequently served as Murray’s replacement in Denver’s starting lineup. However, just because Brown enters the starting five doesn’t mean you should fade Bones Hyland, the second-year sharpshooting guard, who should see extra run from off Denver’s bench.
Pelicans-Nuggets NBA Betting & DFS Advice
Murray’s absence will make his teammates’ lives a bit more difficult. He ranks second on the Nuggets in points (19.1) and assists per game (5.7). He also ranks second among the team’s starters in usage rate (25.6%). Should Murray sit, NBA player prop bettors may want to target Nikola Jokic or Bruce Brown on points and assists markets.
The Denver Nuggets are a 7.5-point home favorite at DraftKings. FanDuel and Pinnacle, two sharp books, are yet to open the bidding. Still, that number suggests Murray plays. The Pelicans have gone a pathetic 10-15 against the spread on the road, though, so backing them isn’t a surefire profit — especially since the Nuggets have gone 15-10-1 against the spread at home.
Bettors who think Murray will sit should head to DraftKings to fade the Nuggets and buy the Pelicans as a 7.5-point road underdog. This spread should shorten a bit if Murray gets ruled out, so getting the +7.5 is a solid move. Those new to DraftKings can earn $200 in bonus bets with a $5 wager. Bettors in Ohio can score the same deal but via this link instead!
The legal gambling age is 21+ in most states. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.
