At a Glance
- Nikola Jokic diagnosed with a hyperextended left knee, expected to miss about a month.
- Denver remains 3rd in the West, 22-10, but is missing three potential starters.
- Jokic leads the league in rebounds and assists, shooting 43.5% from beyond the arc.
Why it matters: The injury could push Denver out of playoff contention if Jokic misses more than 16 games, affecting the team’s performance and standings.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has been sidelined after a knee injury, a development that could alter the team’s playoff prospects. The 6-foot-11 star, who leads the league in rebounds and assists, is expected to miss roughly four weeks and about 16 games. The Nuggets, already short-handed, will need to rely on depth as they continue a seven-game road trip.
Injury Details
Jokic was injured early in the first half of Denver’s 147-123 loss to Miami on Monday night.
While alone under the basket, he stepped forward to defend a drive by Jaime Jaquez Jr.; when he backtracked, the opposing player stepped on his left foot, causing his knee to buckle.
Jokic collapsed, grabbed his knee, and walked to the locker room with a pronounced limp.
Team Impact
The Nuggets are missing three would-be starters-Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cam Johnson-and have already dropped four of their last six games.
- 22-10 record, third in the West.
- 13-23 over last five seasons when Jokic is out.
- Only three games ahead of Phoenix.
Statistical Highlights
Jokic averages 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11 assists per game, leading the league in both rebounds and assists.
He shoots 43.5% from beyond the arc and has a true shooting percentage just over 71%.
| Metric | Jokic | Oscar Robertson (1961-62) |
|---|---|---|
| Rebounds | 12.2 | 12 |
| Assists | 11 | 11 |
Reactions
Jamal Murray said:
> “Obviously, it’s part of the game… Next man up. We’ve got to focus on what’s in here.”
David Adelman added:
> “You just have to stay with it as a team and as a group…”
Season Outlook
Jokic’s injury interrupts what could be his best season, as he leads the league in key categories and his absence could cost Denver 16 games.
- Four-week recovery period.
- Potential to return before the All-Star Game.
- Nuggets could lose playoff positioning.
Key Takeaways
- Jokic will miss about a month, potentially pushing Denver out of playoff contention.
- The team remains 3rd in the West but is short-handed without three starters.
- Jokic leads the league in rebounds and assists, but his absence could cost 16 games.
Denver’s path to the playoffs becomes more uncertain, and the team must lean on depth as the season progresses.
