It was just one week ago that the Denver Nuggets suffered a massive injury scare when star center Nikola Jokić went down with a left knee injury.
Yet, already, the team is reportedly pleased with the pace of his recovery.
During the Amazon Prime Video broadcast of Denver’s five-point loss Jan. 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, sideline reporter Cassidy Hubbarth reported that the franchise has been pleasantly surprised with the progress Jokić has made; per Hubbarth, Jokić has been using an exercise bike and walking up and down stairs.
The Nuggets conducted imaging tests that revealed a diagnosis of a left knee hyperextension Tuesday, Dec. 30 and said the three-time NBA Most Valuable Player would be reevaluated in four weeks. Lately, however, the Nuggets have been listing Jokić as having a left knee bone bruise, which is a common byproduct of hyperextensions.
Here’s everything to know about Nikola Jokić’s status ahead of Monday night’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers:
Is Nikola Jokić playing tonight vs. 76ers?
No. The team has ruled Jokić out as he continues to recover from the injury. The report from the Amazon Prime Video broadcast did provide some much-needed optimism for a team struggling with various injuries, but the Nuggets are expected to be cautious with Jokić, Denver’s franchise player.
Still, it’s an incredibly frustrating stretch for the Nuggets, who are missing all five starters due to injury.
Jamal Murray (left ankle), Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Cameron Johnson (right knee) and Christian Braun (left ankle) are also out, as is backup center Jonas Valančiūnas.
This will mark the fourth game that Jokić will miss since suffering the injury.
Nikola Jokić stats
Over 32 games, Jokić is averaging a triple-double, with 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and 11.0 assists per game this season. Widely considered one of the favorites to compete for his fourth MVP, Jokić is shooting 60.5% from the field, 43.5% from 3-point range and 85.3% from the free-throw line.
