The Denver Nuggets are in Oklahoma City for a second matchup in as many days against the Thunder.
The first contest was a 127-103 finish in favor of the Thunder, who imposed their will late to take a significant victory, with the final score not representing the entire game.
Nikola Jokic's shooting numbers weren't great, though, as he scored 24 points on 10-of-23 shooting, having a bit of a tough time shooting the ball with an elbow injury.
While Nuggets head coach Michael Malone was adamant that the elbow was fine after the contest, Jokic certainly looked uncomfortable and his shooting numbers reflect the idea that he was dealing with the injury.
Ahead of the second straight game against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder, Jokic was listed as questionable with an elbow injury, which happens to be impacting both of his elbows, not just one.
However, given the nature of Jokic's physicality and toughness, many expected him to play regardless of the questionable injury status.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Malone makes Jokic announcement
With Jokic and Jamal Murray both being tagged as questionable before the game, Malone revealed that he expects the team's top two players to both be healthy in the contest.
"I think they'll both be ready to go," Malone announced before the game, according to Joel Lorenzi.
Michael Malone on Jokic & Murray: "I think they'll both be ready to go."
— Joel Lorenzi (@JoelXLorenzi) March 10, 2025
Given the nature of the game being on the road on the second night of a back-to-back against the Western Conference's top team, the Nuggets certainly need both Jokic and Murray on the floor if they want to come away with a victory.
Denver will be looking to bounce back while both sides are dealing with the fatigue of playing one another yesterday afternoon.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published March 10, 2025 at 6:13 PM.