The Denver Nuggets have managed to stay afloat this season without two of their best players in Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr, thanks to the MVP play of Nikola Jokic. They currently sit at 42-30, which is tied for seventh place in the West.

With Murray still recovering from an ACL injury, Michael Malone revealed on Sunday that he is a long way from still returning to the court, while MPJ is rehabbing from back surgery. With the playoffs approaching, it appears there is no certainty either star will be back in the mix, but there is a likelier chance Porter Jr returns instead of Murray.

Via The Athletic:

The Nuggets actually have two players on max contracts who have missed most or all of this season with injuries. The other is Michael Porter Jr., who underwent spine surgery Dec. 1. Of the two, Porter is considered more likely to return this season, numerous Nuggets sources said, but in the same breath they warn that there is a chance neither is back for the playoffs.

Although Denver instantly becomes a contender with these two on the floor again, they will need to be eased in. With the regular season quickly winding down, there isn't exactly time to be taking it slow when the playoffs are here. Porter Jr put up disappointing numbers before going down with his back injury earlier this season, but he's still a very important player for the Nuggets and would give them a much-needed scoring punch.

He's reportedly looking to return before the postseason and worst-case scenario, MPJ plays a limited role off the bench. Better than nothing. The same thing could be said about Murray, but by the sounds of it, he is not even close to ready.

Needless to say, Jokic needs to still carry the load.