Nuggets star Jamal Murray is listed as questionable for Game 5 in Denver

The Lakers finally won the first game of their playoff series against the Nuggets this past Saturday night and the good news just keeps on coming as point guard Jamal Murray is listed as questionable for Monday's Game 5 in Colorado. The announcement was made on Sunday afternoon, as the Denver star has a left calf strain.

The point guard averaged 21.5 points per game during the series and had the game-winning shot in Game 2. However, Jamal has only been shooting 38% from the field and 21% from beyond the arc.

Even though the reigning champions could wrap things up this Monday evening with a win, they could still be out for a long time, especially as the Colts' struggles often continue.

Jamal Murray Doubtful With Left Calf Strain-

But I expect him to play.

That said, the Lakers should go all out on him and push his gimpy calf to its limits.

He thought Austin Reaves did a good job forcing Murray to work defensively in Game 4. pic.twitter.com/FfLPUgHTnH

– Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) April 29, 2024

The Los Angeles side avoided elimination this weekend after losing three consecutive contests against their bitter rivals. The purple and gold needed four starters to score more than 20 points to eventually beat Denver 119-108. “We get another chance to go and play one game and, if we win, we play another one and go from there.

“Opportunities don't stack up in the bucket, but any time we can keep ourselves afloat and give ourselves a chance to do something special, we're up for the challenge,” said Austin Reaves.

LeBron James, who inspired his team with a 30-point performance this past Saturday, agrees with his teammates. “Our only chance is to play the next game,” he said. “And we have given ourselves another life. We've given ourselves another way to live, and it's a one-game series for us.”

Despite the fact that no team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit, the 39-year-old is well aware that tonight's game is do-or-die. “Monday's game is the most important game of the season for us, and we understand that and we know that, so that's the stage where you lose, you're done,” said the striker. “You win and you move on.”

NBA fans and experts believe that many players on the Lakers roster still have a lot to prove this Monday

Even though D'Angelo Russell outplayed his star rival Jamal Murray this weekend, while scoring 21 points on 8-for-15 shooting with 15 rebounds, purple and gold fans believe he still has to prove himself this Monday in Game 5.

Even his coach Darvin Ham has been asked many times about his guards but he made sure to tell everyone that he knows he still trusts the 28-year-old player. However, Russell told the media that he does not need anyone's blessing but his own.

“I believe in myself more than anyone else. I don't need that, but I appreciate it,” Russell replied, when asked what he thought of Ham's words. The guard knows full well that Murray's game on Saturday, who scored 22 points but shot 9-for-23, is beyond that.

LeBron also disproved some skeptics who believe Anthony Davis can do better. “AD doesn't have to prove anything to anyone,” said James. “He is one of the greatest players we have in this game, one of the greatest players in the world. And he's showing that again in the first four games.”