Three-time MVP Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is returning to the hardwood just in time for Denver’s Wednesday clash against the Bucks, the team has announced (via Twitter).
The 6-foot-11 superstar big man had been on the shelf for Denver since the club’s 126-123 loss against Washington on March 15, due to a left ankle impingement.
Milwaukee, however, will be missing both of their nine-time All-Stars, plus two rotational big men, to boot.
Bucks guard Damian Lillard is out indefinitely due to a blood clot in his right calf. He’ll be joined on the bench by two-time MVP forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s grappling with a sprained left foot, Milwaukee has announced (Twitter link).
Jokic is angling to pick up his fourth MVP honor across the last five years. He’s averaging a triple double for the 45-28 Nuggets, on good efficiency. The 2023 league champ is logging 29.1 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 10.3 APG, 1.8 SPG and 0.7 BPG. He’s also connecting on .575/.413/.807 shooting splits.
Denver has also made Jokic’s fellow starters Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon available. Braun is dealing with a left foot strain, Porter has a strained low back, and Gordon is managing a right calf injury plus a left ankle sprain.
The absences of Antetokounmpo and Lillard are compounded by the long-term unavailability of sixth man big Bobby Portis and reserve center Jericho Sims, both out until at least April.