Is Jamal Murray playing tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1? Latest update on the Denver Nuggets star's injury report (April 19, 2025)

The Denver Nuggets enter the 2025 NBA playoffs under unexpected circumstances. With the shocking firings of GM Calvin Booth and head coach Michael Malone late in the regular season, interim coach David Adelman now leads the team into their first-round series against the LA Clippers. As the Nuggets prepare for this high-stakes matchup, all eyes are on Jamal Murray's availability and the team's overall health heading into game 1.

Jamal Murray's status was in question during the final stretch of the regular season due to a lingering hamstring injury. Former coach Michael Malone initially expressed uncertainty about Murray's playoff readiness, stating he "hoped" the star guard would recover in time. However, Murray silenced those concerns by returning for the last two regular-season games, helping the Nuggets secure back-to-back wins.

The Denver Nuggets are in excellent health overall, with only one player sidelined:
- DaRon Holmes II (Rookie): Out indefinitely with a torn right Achilles
Holmes' absence doesn't significantly impact Denver's rotation, meaning interim coach Adelman has nearly his full roster available for the playoff opener.

The Clippers also enter the series at full strength, with Kawhi Leonard cleared to play. This sets the stage for a high-powered clash between two healthy contenders.

With Holmes being the only unavailable player, the Nuggets can deploy their preferred rotations without restrictions. Here's how their lineup could look against the Clippers:


While the Nuggets are healthy, the Clippers present a formidable challenge. The Leonard-Harden duo has been clicking at the right time, combining two-way dominance with elite offensive playmaking. However, Murray and Jokic have a proven track record against superstar pairings, having dismantled the Lakers' LeBron James and Anthony Davis in back-to-back playoff series:
- 2023 Western Conference Finals: 4-0 sweep
- 2024 First Round: 4-1 gentleman’s sweep
Also read: Denver Nuggets vs LA Clippers final injury report (April 19, 2025): Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight?
This history suggests Denver’s stars won’t be intimidated by the Clippers' firepower. Game 1 will test whether the Nuggets' continuity and championship pedigree can overcome LA’s star-driven approach.
As tip-off approaches, the basketball world waits to see which team will strike first in what promises to be a thrilling playoff series.