Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets have just seen their postseason hopes take a major blow after it was revealed that both Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are now unlikely to return this season.

This update comes via NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic, who reports that these two Nuggets stars will not be able to come back this year:

“Nuggets star guard Jamal Murray and forward Michael Porter Jr. will not play in Sunday's season finale Sunday vs. the Lakers,” Shams said. “As of now, sources tell me they are unlikely to return to action during the postseason.”

Previous reports suggested that Murray was getting close to his return and that there was some hope that the Nuggets would be able to get him back for the playoffs. Porter Jr, on the other hand, suffered a recent setback in his rehab, but this is the first time reports of a season shutdown have emerged for the highly-promising Denver forward.

Shams did confirm that Murray is indeed progressing well in his rehab, but that he still isn't ready to suit up for the Nuggets:

“I'm told Murray is very close in his process and the Nuggets will allow him to determine his comeback timing,” Shams continued. “Across the Nuggets roster, everyone has supported both players, and teammates and coaches understand Murray is a flat out competitor and a great player, and that only he will know when he truly fells 100%.

“Neither player has been officially ruled out, but whenever their ready, possibly during a fresh season, these Nuggets will be ready.”

Shams gives Nuggets fans a glimmer of hope here by saying that neither player has officially been ruled out. However, there's no denying that this is still horrible news for the Nuggets on the eve of their final game of the regular season.