It’s possible that noteworthy injury news will not affect the Lakers, who have struggled with injuries all season. Jamal Murray’s status for Game 5 has been listed as uncertain due to a calf issue.
In Game 4, Murray’s struggles and grimacing were occasionally visible during the fourth quarter.
It’s important to remember that Murray never left Game 4. He nevertheless participated in the game for 39 minutes, including all but six seconds of the fourth quarter.
However, it theoretically makes things interesting right away if he is unavailable. His backup, Reggie Jackson, is also battling foot ailments. In Game 4, he participated, although not fully. He’s a very limited backup even at 100% that the Lakers might exploit, especially on defense. The Nuggets haven’t used another point guard in this series beyond Jackson.
Murray and Nikola Jokic’s lethal two-man game, which the Lakers and every other team find difficult to contain, would also be eliminated. Murray’s injury persists even if he is well enough to play.
It will undoubtedly alter the Nuggets’ strategy, but maybe it makes them even more determined to win the series in Game 5 so they can recuperate before the next round.
This is obviously a lot of “what ifs” and hypotheticals, but it’s a serious injury that may seriously affect the series. Injuries combined with Jarred Vanderbilt’s possible return might significantly alter the dynamics of this series.
The Lakers are one game away from elimination from the playoffs, meaning they still have little wiggle space in this series. In the end, it might not matter. But Vando’s return and Murray’s probable absence would drastically alter the teams’ perceptions of the series.
