Nuggets coach Michael Malone mentioned he expects ahead Michael Porter Jr. to be obtainable for Friday’s recreation towards Utah after lacking his first recreation of the season Wednesday night time towards the Lakers.
Heading into Wednesday’s recreation, Porter was listed on the damage report as questionable attributable to lumbar backbone administration. Following Denver’s convincing 110-99 win over the Lakers, Malone mentioned Porter had skilled a “back spasm” towards Portland, and the choice to carry him out was considerably precautionary.
“Had a little bit of a back spasm in that Portland game, but he’s been getting treatment,” Malone mentioned. “He looked good today when I was watching him work out.”
Malone mentioned Porter texted him on Wednesday morning and informed him he felt good.
“If we needed Michael to play, he would’ve played, he could’ve played (vs. the Lakers),” Malone mentioned. “This is us trying to protect him a little bit.”
The Nuggets have maintained that they’ll hold a big-picture method with regard to Porter and Jamal Murray, each of whom missed all or most of final season. Porter went by an encouraging shootaround Wednesday morning earlier than he was formally dominated out later within the day. He later took half in an on-court pre-game exercise regardless of his standing. He didn’t seem inhibited in both occasion.