Northwest Division Update: Murray Shoulders Heavy Load for Injury-Hit Nuggets; Wallace Exits with Knee Contusion; Clingan Keeps Stacking Double-Doubles
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January 3, 2026 — With four regular starters sidelined, Jamal Murray is the lone member of the Denver Nuggets’ usual first unit currently available. The guard said the rash of absences forces him to concentrate on energy, leadership and confidence as Denver tries to stay afloat.
Assistant coach David Adelman, running the bench while head coach Michael Malone remains away from the team, expects opponents to blanket Murray until Nikola Jokić and the others return. Adelman noted the club must screen aggressively and move the ball to free Murray, while the guard must continue making the correct pass when double-teams arrive.
Those challenges were evident Friday in Cleveland. With both Jokić and backup center Jonas Valančiūnas inactive, Denver was out-rebounded 62-45 and fell by five points. Rookie DaRon Holmes II started in the middle and Zeke Nnaji handled reserve minutes. “We’re undersized at a few spots, but I’ll take this effort every night,” Adelman said after the loss.
Thunder guard Wallace leaves game early
Cason Wallace, now in his third season with Oklahoma City, sustained a right knee contusion against Golden State on Friday and did not return, according to team broadcaster Nick Gallo. Wallace logged 14 minutes before the injury after averaging 26.1 minutes in December. The Thunder picked up his fourth-year option in October, making him eligible for an extension in July.
Clingan continues breakout for Portland
Second-year center Donovan Clingan posted 11 points and 15 rebounds in Portland’s victory over New Orleans, giving him six double-doubles in his last eight outings. Clingan is averaging 10.8 points and 10.5 boards this season. Interim coach Tiago Splitter said the 7-footer is “learning to handle big minutes and stay effective.”
Other Trail Blazers storylines
In a separate report, Sean Highkin of Rose Garden Report outlined five pressing questions facing Portland, including the timeline for new owner Tom Dundon to make his mark and when the organization will decide on head coach Chauncey Billups.
Source: Hoops Rumors
