In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene as the Nuggets enter the stretch run of the regular season. Among the topics discussed:

With news of Michael Porter Jr. beginning to go through one-on-one work at practices, what is the timeline for a potential return? How cautious are the Nuggets being about bringing him back? What sort of contributions can be reasonably expected? And who would be the odd man out in the rotation?

What are the chances we will see Jamal Murray in uniform this season? What would be a potential drop-dead date when the team makes a decision on whether or not to bring him back for the season?

DeMarcus Cousins has been a revelation as a sage veteran in the locker room and physical tone setter for the second unit. How critical has he been to the bench's success? Should we expect his role to continue even as others return from injury?

With the fifth-best record in the NBA since Jan. 1, the Nuggets find themselves with a legitimate shot at the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. Where will they end up in the standings? And who would the team like to see in the first round?