The NBA has introduced new regulations in 2023 aimed at enhancing player participation, especially among star athletes, during the regular season. These rules include significant fines for “star-level” players who rest during high-profile, nationally televised games. However, the Denver Nuggets may have discovered a potential loophole regarding this policy.
Nuggets’ Strategy for National TV Game Against 76ers
In an upcoming match against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Nuggets are expected to be without all five of their regular starters. This includes Jamal Murray, who is taking a break due to a persistent ankle injury. The injury has been affecting him since Christmas Day.
Despite this, Murray has demonstrated his ability to play through the injury. He recently logged an impressive 40 minutes in a game against the Brooklyn Nets, showing his fitness to compete. If necessary, he could still be available for the 76ers game.
Murray’s Status in Relation to NBA Rules
The new NBA regulations concerning star participation only apply to players who have earned either an All-Star or All-NBA selection in the past three seasons. Jamal Murray has not received any of these honors throughout his career. Therefore, he is not classified as a “star” under the current rules, allowing the Nuggets to rest him without incurring fines.
- Jamal Murray’s current performance:
- Averaging 25.4 points per game
- 4.6 rebounds and 7.2 assists
- Shooting 48% from the field
44.7% from three-point range
- 89.3% from the free-throw line
- Nikola Jokic
- Aaron Gordon
- Christian Braun
- Cam Johnson
- Jonas Valanciunas
- Tim Hardaway Jr.
Upcoming Game Details
The Nuggets are scheduled to face the 76ers on January 4, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. MT. This match represents their first of two meetings for the 2023 season. Denver aims to avoid a three-game losing streak as they navigate this challenging matchup without several key players.
If Murray continues to excel before the All-Star selections in February, he could finally secure a spot, changing his status under NBA rules in the future. Until then, he is free to take the necessary time to recover from his injury as the Nuggets strategize for upcoming games.
