Jamal Murray out with ankle injury against Suns; not out of the question at Christmas

Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray sprained his right ankle Sunday night in New Orleans, forcing him to miss Denver’s Monday night home game against the Suns, coach Michael Malone said.

Malone didn’t rule out a return for Murray on Wednesday when the Nuggets visit Phoenix for a prime-time rematch that will be part of the NBA’s Christmas list.

“On the flight back we were hoping things would get better and the swelling would go down,” Malone said. “(The ankle) was treated all night this morning but obviously didn’t respond the way we had hoped. That’s why we have to be without Jamal tonight and hopefully it’s not a long-term thing.”