Nikola Jokic has avoided the worst-case scenario.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports the Denver Nuggets superstar has been diagnosed with hyperextension in his left knee and will miss at least four weeks.
> Just in: Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic has been diagnosed with a hyperextension in his left knee and will miss at least four weeks. An immense sigh of relief as tests show the three-time NBA MVP's knee ligaments are intact. [pic.twitter.com/u8qLE0GDd3](https://t.co/u8qLE0GDd3)
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> — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) [December 30, 2025](https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/2006039788235739230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The injury will not require surgery for the 30-year-old Jokic, who left Monday night’s 147-123 loss to the Miami Heat late in the first half after accidentally colliding with teammate Spencer Jones. The Serbian immediately went to the ground and grabbed at his ledt knee. He did not return.
A three-time NBA Most Valuable Player, Jokic has once again opened his season in imperious form. In 32 games this season, the seven-time All-Star was averaging 29.6 points on .605 shooting, 12.2 boards and 11.0 assists over 34.6 minutes a night.
Having never missed more than 13 games in a season, this current knee injury will likely sideline Jokic for the longest period over his 11-year career.
The injury to Jokic is yet another blow to a Nuggets team already reeling with absences. Tamar Bates (foot), Cameron Johnson (knee), Christian Braun (ankle) and Aaron Gordon (hamstring) are already out of action.
The Nuggets (22-10) sit third in the Western Conference and will return to action on Wednesday night when they visit the Toronto Raptors (20-14).