At a Glance
- Jokic diagnosed with a hyperextended left knee, out for about four weeks
- Denver Nuggets sit 3rd in the West at 22-10, with a potential playoff shift
- Jokic averages 29.6 ppg, 12.2 rebounds, 11 assists; missing 17+ games could end his MVP bid
Why it matters: Jokic’s injury could change Denver’s playoff outlook and jeopardize his MVP and All-NBA chances.
Denver’s star center Nikola Jokic suffered a hyperextended knee in the second quarter of a 147-123 loss to Miami. The injury, announced Tuesday, will keep him sidelined for roughly four weeks, meaning he could miss about 16 games before the All-Star break. Jokic, who tops the league in rebounds and assists this season, had already led the NBA in points per game at 29.6.
What Happened
During the game, Jokic was helping teammate Spencer Jones defend a drive when Jones stepped on his foot, causing the knee to buckle. Jokic collapsed, grabbed his knee, and limped off the court, but later returned to the locker room on his own. The Nuggets’ medical staff will re-evaluate him in four weeks.
Team Impact
Denver is already short-handed, missing Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cam Johnson. They are 13-23 in the last five seasons without Jokic, and a dip in the coming weeks could hurt their playoff positioning. The team is just three games ahead of the 7th-place Phoenix Suns in the standings.
| Metric | Current | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Games missed | 16 | 17+ |
| Award eligibility | 65/82 | <65 |
| West rank | 3rd | Possible drop |
Jamal Murray said:
> “Obviously, it’s part of the game, but we never want to see it happen. 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. That’s how you best support your teammates that are out-by honoring them when you play.”
Award Implications
Jokic would need to play at least 65 of Denver’s 82 games to qualify for MVP and All-NBA honors. With the injury, he could miss more than 17 games, making him ineligible for most awards. BetMGM Sportsbook adjusted its MVP odds, favoring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the leading candidate.
Key Takeaways
- Jokic is out for about four weeks, missing roughly 16 games.
- Denver’s playoff position could slip if the team struggles without him.
- Jokic’s injury likely disqualifies him from MVP and All-NBA consideration.
The Nuggets now face a tough stretch on the road, hoping to keep their playoff hopes alive while Jokic recovers.
