Nikola Jokic
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Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is a three-time NBA MVP.
The Denver Nuggets received a critical boost Friday night as Nikola Jokić prepared to return from a 15-game absence, stabilizing a roster that has absorbed another significant injury just as the Western Conference race tightens.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the three-time NBA MVP is set to play against the Los Angeles Clippers, marking his first appearance since Dec. 29.
“Denver’s Nikola Jokić — out since Dec. 29 with a knee injury — plans to return tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers at home,” Charania wrote. “Jokić now is in position to also play in Sunday’s showdown vs. Oklahoma City in Denver and be eligible for the season awards.”
Under NBA rules, players must appear in at least 65 games to qualify for end-of-season awards. Missing three more contests would have rendered Jokić ineligible for MVP consideration.
Jokić’s Return to Nuggets Lineup Keeps MVP Case Alive
Before being sidelined, Jokić was again producing historic numbers, averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and a career-high 11.0 assists, placing him squarely among the league’s most dominant forces.
Despite his absence, Denver has stayed afloat. The Nuggets went 10–6 without Jokić, a marked improvement from last season’s 4–8 stretch when he missed time, underscoring the roster’s improved resilience.
Denver entered the weekend at 32–16, half-game behind the San Antonio Spurs for the No. 2 seed in the West and two games ahead of the Houston Rockets in fourth.
Nuggets’ Wing Emerges During Jokić’s Absence
One of the biggest reasons Denver remained competitive was the emergence of Peyton Watson.
The 2022 first-round pick took on an expanded role, averaging 22.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals over his last 15 games. During the Nuggets’ 9–6 stretch without Jokić, Watson shot 48.6% from the field and 44.3% from three-point range, providing much-needed scoring and defensive versatility.
Aaron Gordon Suffers Setback, Out at Least a Month
Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets, Aaron Gordon injury
GettyAaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets will be out for at least a month due to an injury setback.
Just as Jokić returns, Denver absorbed another blow.
Charania reported Thursday that Aaron Gordon will miss extended time after re-aggravating his right hamstring.
“Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks with a right hamstring strain,” Charania reported Thursday. “Gordon re-aggravated the previous hamstring injury he sustained in late November.”
Gordon had recently returned from a Grade 2 hamstring strain suffered on Nov. 21 against Houston. He aggravated the same injury during the second quarter of Denver’s 102–100 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks and did not return.
The recurrence raises durability concerns, particularly after Gordon battled similar issues during last season’s postseason.
Head coach David Adelman initially expressed cautious optimism.
“I feel for him,” Adelman said. “He’s optimistic it’s not as bad as the last one. But we won’t know until we get it actually tested.”
Further evaluation confirmed a more serious timeline.
Frontcourt Rotation Adjusts With Valančiūnas
Jokić’s return will push Jonas Valančiūnas back to a reserve role. Valančiūnas returned from a one-game absence earlier this week and has averaged 14.0 points and 12.5 rebounds.
Homestand Continues With Statement Games Ahead
The Nuggets continue their five-game homestand against the Clippers on Friday. Denver will close the week on Sunday with a primetime showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the West’s top seed and defending champions.
With Jokić back in uniform, Denver regains its anchor — even as it adjusts to life without Gordon for the stretch run.