The Nuggets played without starting point guard Jamal Murray, who sat out due to inflammation in his left knee. Given their recent schedule, the team decided getting Murray off his feet was wise. The team has been playing without guard Russell Westbrook, who’s been sidelined by a hamstring injury.

The Denver Nuggets have been quiet off the court as the trade deadline approaches, but their play on the court has been very loud. On Wednesday night, the Nuggets won their fourth game in a row with a dominant second half to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 144-119.

Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) and center Nikola Jokic (15) in the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images / Isaiah J.

As the Nuggets’ Michael Porter Jr. is well aware, the trade deadline is part of the business in the NBA. “As long as I’m here, I’m going to be here and I’m going to be happy, and I’m going to play hard and try to be available and try to help win games,