MPJ’s return looms this weekend as Nuggets will get back to full strength

The Denver Nuggets should be at full strength for their Christmas showdown with the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, but the pickaxes are likely to be a rare full go on Friday too, when they host Portland.

Michael Porter Jr., who has missed the last 13 games with a foot injury, told reporters on Thursday that he’s playing on Friday. His head coach Michael Malone was bit more tepid, saying there was only a chance MPJ returns against the Blazers or Suns. Officially Porter is still listed as doubtful by the Nuggets.

Malone says the star forward will probably be on a minutes restriction for the time being, which may also mean he comes off the bench for now.

Michael Malone, who spoke before MPJ just now, said Porter’s status for tomorrow was TBD and he’ll have a minutes restriction when he returns. Porter then followed that by saying he’s definitely playing and he doesn’t think there will be any restrictions. That was interesting. https://t.co/HmJHMiBETf

— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) December 22, 2022

Porter is fourth on the team in points per game and is one of the league’s better three-point shooters by percentage at 42.7%. Getting him back not only allows Denver ample opportunity to score but gives the Nuggets a few more easy baskets and Porter’s size is a boon for Denver on the glass.

MPJ caught fire. pic.twitter.com/CerdnQQOhI

— Mike Singer (@msinger) December 22, 2022

Jamal Murray missed Tuesday’s big win against Memphis as he sat with knee soreness. He’s working his way back to full health after missing more than a season with a torn ACL. Since Murray’s initial injury he and Porter have only played 13 games together, all coming earlier this season.

Combine the timing of Murray’s knee injury, Porter’s back issues, and the trade for Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets have only played 18 games with those three surrounding the back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic.

The most notable losses Denver took without Murray came in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs when the Nuggets were swept by the Suns. This makes the return of MPJ all the more exciting since Nuggets fans have not seen a healthy Denver team go against Phoenix in years.

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