Adam Mares here, the host of the daily Locked On Nuggets podcast, with your daily Locked On Nuggets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Nuggets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Who Are The Nuggets Without Jamal Murray?
Oct 29, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray (27) shoots a reverse layup against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images|Gregory Fisher/Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
On the latest episode of Locked on Nuggets: No Jinx With Matt Moore and Ryan Blackburn, the fellas got into the weeds on the bench and how Denver is different for better or worse with Jamal Murray.
Nuggets’ Performance Without Jamal Murray:
“The Nuggets won and looked awesome without Jamal Murray. So, of course, that sparked all sorts of completely stupid questions, which we’re going to talk about on today’s show. People wonder if the Nuggets might somehow be better off or if their style of play improves without Jamal on the floor, which is, frankly, a wild overreaction. But it’s interesting to see how they adapt and what the numbers actually show when he’s not in the lineup.”
“This conversation isn’t just about one game, though. It’s about what happens when you remove a high-usage player like Jamal Murray from a roster that’s built around two stars. Does it allow others to step up and fill in the gaps, or does it put too much pressure on Nikola Jokic to carry the load? That’s what we’re here to dig into.”
Pace of Play and Its Impact:
“This is a show about pace. About going through life at your pace and how the Nuggets have a really hard time getting on the same one. Whether they’re speeding up too much or slowing down unnecessarily, it’s like they can’t find that middle ground where everything clicks. Pace is everything for this team because when they get it right, they look unstoppable. When they get it wrong, it’s a total mess.”
“It’s not just about playing fast or slow; it’s about control. The Nuggets have a specific rhythm that suits them best, and any deviation from that rhythm, whether caused by turnovers, poor shot selection, or lineup changes, throws everything off. It’s fascinating to see how this impacts their offense and even how they defend in transition.”
Bench Unit Challenges:
“We’re also going to talk about, guess what? The bench again. Specifically, pace. The bench has been a major source of frustration, and it’s because they just don’t seem to get the memo on playing at the right tempo. Sometimes, they push too hard, turning the game into a track meet that favors the other team. Other times, they bog things down, making the offense look stagnant and predictable.”
“The bench needs to find a way to be effective without disrupting the overall flow of the game. It’s not easy when you have guys trying to make a case for more minutes or prove their worth, but at some point, they have to mesh with the starters’ tempo. Otherwise, you end up with these massive swings in performance that make the Nuggets vulnerable, especially against elite teams.”
Predictions for the Homestand:
“Plus, we’ll do some predictions for the homestand. The next few games are crucial, and we’ve got some tough matchups coming up. If the Nuggets can iron out the pace issues and get even a little more from the bench, there’s a real chance they could go on a strong run. But if they continue to struggle with consistency, it could be a long and difficult stretch.”
“We’re looking at this homestand as a litmus test. Can the Nuggets prove that they’re more than just a great starting five? Can the bench rise to the occasion and maintain, if not improve, the pace when they’re out there? It’s going to be really telling, and we’ll have plenty to analyze in the coming days.”
Reflections from Vince Carter’s jersey retirement night
The Toronto Raptors retired Vince Carter’s jersey on Saturday night. The ceremony came during half time of the Raptors-Kings game, where an emotional Carter and his family watched a banner with his number and the iconic photo of him mid-between-the-legs-dunk rise up to the rafters in the arena it all started in for him. That moment marked a culmination. Of a career, of a person’s trepidatious relationship with a city and its fan base, of a distinct era of NBA basketball and identity of a franchise, but also of a month’s worth of moments for Carter.
The Raptors made the announcement at a community basketball court dedication to Carter in late September, where franchise president Masai Ujiri thanked Carter for all he did to inspire the game in Canada and put the Raptors franchise on the map. “Time heals things,” Ujiri told the crowd before he confirmed Carter would be the first player in team history to have their number retired. Carter was overcome and fought back tears as he thanked the crowd, Ujiri and the city.
The tributes continued. Carter had an airplane dedicated to him by one of the country’s major airlines, Air Canada, in a nod to his nickname of the same. A mural was unveiled in downtown Toronto, and it was announced Carter would join as a broadcaster to provide coverage for select games this season — also the Raptors 30th anniversary season.
Given the host of accolades and recognition, I found it telling when Carter sat down in front of assembled media prior to Saturday night’s game for a pre-ceremony presser, and said he wasn’t sure what to expect of the night but encouraged everyone to “live in the moment”. I asked him, in light of every tribute and celebration thus far, how he was doing that or if his perception of the moment changed. He laughed. “I’m fighting,” he admitted.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Injury Jamal Murray’s return to the court faces a delay due to recent setbacks in his recovery process. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Nikola Jokic’s former teammate makes a bold claim about the MVP’s impact on the Denver Nuggets. (Sports Illustrated)
Injury Multiple stars, including Denver’s key players, are listed as injured ahead of the game against Utah. (Sports Illustrated)
Injury An All-Star player receives a downgraded injury status, raising concerns for the Nuggets’ upcoming match against the Jazz. (Sports Illustrated)
Fans Russell Westbrook’s alley-oop dunk against the Nuggets and Jazz goes viral, captivating fans worldwide. (Sports Illustrated)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Paul George’s Return Is A Huge Fantasy Basketball Boost
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena.|Photo by Brett Davis-Imagn Images
As we wrap up another thrilling week in the NBA, it’s time to delve into the latest injury updates and player performances that could impact your fantasy basketball strategy. With only three games on Sunday, the anticipation builds for an action-packed 15-game day. Let’s explore the key developments and what they mean for your fantasy lineup.
Injury Updates: Key Players to Watch
Zach LaVine’s shoulder issues continue to be a concern, leaving his status questionable. This ongoing problem could affect his availability, so keep an eye on updates. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert’s ankle sprain opens opportunities for Naz Reid and Luka Garza, especially in deeper leagues. With Aaron Nesmith out and Andrew Nembhard questionable, Ben Mathurin and Jarace Walker are set to see increased roles, potentially stepping into starting positions or gaining extra minutes.
Lauri Markkanen’s return from back spasms is imminent, which is great news for fantasy managers. In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s absence isn’t surprising, but Paul George’s expected return is a significant development. Despite being listed as questionable, reports suggest George is ready to play, albeit with a possible minutes restriction. This isn’t a long-term injury, so expect him to be back in full swing soon.
Player Performances: Who’s Stepping Up?
The Detroit Pistons secured a road win against the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing improved play compared to last season. Jalen Duren stood out with a solid performance, contributing 13 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. His increased minutes were partly due to Isaiah Stewart fouling out, but it’s a positive sign for Duren’s fantasy value.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Nuggets podcasts.
Can Nuggets win without Jamal Murray? No Jinx on a Sunday night! Matt and Ryan discuss Jamal Murray’s absence, Russell Westbrook, and predictions for this week’s home stand.
Nikola Jokic Puts A HISTORIC Game | The Nuggets Win Their 2nd Game | Westbrook Goes CRAZY The Denver Nuggets beat the Brooklyn Nets in their 2nd consecutive overtime win on the road but it was a bumpy start in both games. Jokic is having a career start to the season but is it sustainable?
Westbrook steps up, Joker dominates, Nuggets win in OT AGAIN No Jinx goes over the Nuggets second OT win in a row. Joker is amazing, Russ showed out, and the Nuggets played their best game of the year. Is that enough?
