Michael Porter Jr. has always been an explosive scorer, but his ability to stay healthy and contribute on defense has been the question of whether he would live up to his five-year, $179 million contract with the Denver Nuggets.

"Offense for me should be on autopilot," Porter said. "I should be focused on the intangibles, the defense, the rebounding, the dirty work. Then that just involves you in the game. If you're struggling on offense and you're also not rebounding or playing defense, then it's like, why is he out there right now?"

Porter is not guaranteed to be on the floor in closing situations as Michael Malone will sometimes use Bruce Brown instead of him.

Jamal Murray has joined Nikola Jokic in the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

Murray is listed out for Friday's game against the Dallas Mavericks.

The Denver Nuggets will also play at the Mavericks on Sunday.

Nikola Jokic has entered the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

Jokic joins Bones Hyland in the protocol for the Denver Nuggets. Both players will miss Wednesday's game against the New York Knicks at a minimum. Hyland entered the protocol last Friday.

The Nuggets currently have a 9-4 record.

Numerous items, including money, a gold bracelet, two Louis Vuitton bags, and a bible were stolen from Michael Porter Jr.'s hotel room in Indianapolis.

Porter was not in the room at the time of the theft.

A police report was filed on Tuesday.

The Nuggets defeated the Pacers 112-119 on Wednesday, with Porter chipping in with 17 points and 6 rebounds.