The Denver Nuggets found themselves in an unexpected predicament on February 25, 2026, as their star guard Jamal Murray exited early from a marquee matchup against the Boston Celtics due to illness. In a season where Murray has been nothing short of sensational, averaging career highs across the board, his sudden departure left both fans and teammates scrambling for answers and solutions. The game, pitting the reigning 2023 NBA champions Nuggets against the 2024 title-holding Celtics, was already billed as a heavyweight clash. But with Murray sidelined, the stakes and challenges shifted dramatically for Denver.
Murray entered the night having been listed as probable to play, dealing with right hamstring tightness. However, he suited up and started, giving hope to Nuggets faithful that he’d be able to guide his squad through a tough test. But after just eight minutes on the floor—where he notched two points on 1-for-3 shooting and tallied an assist—Murray left the bench at the end of the first quarter, visibly unwell. The official word from the Nuggets was clear: "Jamal Murray has left the game vs. the Celtics with an illness and has been ruled out for the rest of the way." That statement, echoed by multiple outlets and confirmed by team sources, ended any speculation about a potential in-game injury or a re-aggravation of previous lower-body issues. As one ESPN analyst put it, "The Nuggets did not announce an injury. They announced illness, and then ruled him out after he left the game."
The timing couldn’t have been worse for Denver. Already short-handed with Peyton Watson and Aaron Gordon sidelined due to hamstring injuries, the Nuggets had to dig even deeper into their rotation. Head coach Michael Malone quickly turned to Christian Braun, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., Jalen Pickett, and Cam Johnson to shoulder the load left by Murray’s absence. KJ Simpson was also expected to see increased playing time, as reported by several outlets. The offensive burden landed squarely on the shoulders of Nikola Jokic, Denver’s three-time MVP, who was called upon to orchestrate the attack and generate scoring opportunities in Murray’s stead.
Adjustments were swift and necessary. With their primary point guard unavailable, the Nuggets shifted to a more committee-style approach to ball-handling. Jokic, already the hub of Denver’s offense, became the focal point for initiating plays from the elbow and top of the key. The team leaned into handoffs, split actions, and quick decision-making, moving away from the classic Murray-Jokic pick-and-roll sets that have become a staple of their half-court offense. The absence of Murray, often the pressure-release valve in tight, late-game situations, forced Denver to improvise new ways to create clean looks against a Celtics defense known for its switching and relentless pressure.
As the first half concluded, the Nuggets clung to a narrow 48-47 lead over the Celtics. The contest, broadcast nationally and closely watched by fans and analysts alike, remained very much up for grabs. The Celtics, entering the night with a 38-19 record and sitting second in the Eastern Conference, were not about to let Denver off the hook. The Nuggets, at 36-22 and fourth in the West, knew that every possession would count even more without their All-Star guard on the floor.
Jamal Murray’s illness also had ripple effects beyond the hardwood. For fans and bettors, his early exit triggered DraftKings’ new Early Exit program, which refunds single bets placed on players who leave games in the first half due to injury or illness. According to DraftKings, "Anyone who made a single bet on Murray will receive cash credits." Parlay bets, meanwhile, had the Murray leg removed and odds recalculated, providing a small silver lining for those who had wagered on the Canadian star.
Murray’s absence is particularly stinging given the season he’s been having. Coming off his first career All-Star appearance, he’s posted averages of 25.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, shooting an impressive 48.3% from the field and 42.3% from beyond the arc. His ability to bend defenses, create off the dribble, and deliver in the clutch has been central to Denver’s identity all year. As one report noted, "An illness might not be the most long-term concern regarding Murray's availability, but it'll be something to sideline him for the rest of the way against the Celtics. Needless to be said, a brutal loss for the Nuggets lineup, and leaves Denver notably shorthanded against one of the best squads in the league from top to bottom."
The immediate question on everyone’s mind: How long will Murray be out? The Nuggets have yet to provide specifics regarding the nature of his illness—whether it’s flu-like symptoms, a non-COVID ailment, or something else entirely. The next team injury report will be crucial in determining whether this is a one-game blip or a longer-term absence. For now, Denver fans and fantasy owners alike are left to monitor updates and hope for a quick recovery.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Nuggets roster must rise to the occasion. Nikola Jokic, already tasked with carrying much of the offensive load, will need to elevate his playmaking even further. Players like Christian Braun and Cam Johnson, who may see expanded roles, have a golden opportunity to step up and make their mark. As the game against Boston unfolds, all eyes will be on how Denver adapts to adversity and whether they can maintain their momentum against a formidable opponent.
For the Celtics, the game presents its own set of challenges. With Jayson Tatum working his way back from injury and Derrick White emerging as a key contributor, Boston is eager to solidify its standing near the top of the Eastern Conference. The matchup between two recent NBA champions was always going to be a measuring stick for both squads, but Murray’s absence adds a dramatic wrinkle to the proceedings.
As the action continues, the story remains fluid. Will the Nuggets find enough firepower to overcome the loss of their star guard, or will the Celtics capitalize on Denver’s shorthanded lineup? One thing’s for certain: the NBA season is full of twists and turns, and tonight’s events in Denver are just another reminder that anything can happen when the lights shine brightest.
With the final outcome still undecided, Nuggets fans will be holding their breath for positive news on Jamal Murray’s health. For now, Denver’s resilience and adaptability are being put to the ultimate test against one of the league’s elite teams.