At a Glance
- Nikola Jokic will miss ~16 games after hyper-extended left knee
- Nuggets are 22-10, 3rd in West, now facing a key roster gap
- Jokic averages 29.6 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 11 apg – the only player to match such a line since 1961-62
- Why it matters: The star’s absence threatens Denver’s playoff push and exposes depth issues
Denver’s 6-foot-11 star Nikola Jokic is sidelined for about a month after a hyper-extended left knee sustained in the first half of a 147-123 loss to Miami. The injury will keep him out for roughly 16 games, but the Nuggets can still play him before the All-Star break. With the team already missing three key starters, the loss could widen a critical gap as the Nuggets chase playoff positioning.
Injury Details
Jokic was alone under the basket, stepping forward to help defend a drive when Miami’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. stepped on his left foot. The contact caused his knee to buckle, and he collapsed, grabbing the joint before limping to the locker room. The team will re-evaluate him in four weeks, with no surgery required, and he could return before the February All-Star Game.
Jamal Murray stated:
> “Obviously, it’s part of the game,” … “Next man up. We’ve got to focus on what’s in here.”
Statistical Impact
Jokic ranks fifth in NBA scoring this season at 29.6 points per game and leads the league with 12.2 rebounds and 11 assists per contest. He is the only player since Oscar Robertson in 1961-62 to average at least 12 rebounds and 11 assists over a full season. His shooting is a career-best 43.5% from beyond the arc and a true-shooting percentage of just over 71%.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Points per game | 29.6 |
| Rebounds per game | 12.2 |
| Assists per game | 11 |
| 3-point % | 43.5% |
| True shooting % | 71% |
Team Response
Coach David Adelman emphasized unity, saying, ‘You just have to stay with it as a team and as a group,’ and added that honoring teammates who are out is key. Nuggets are 13-23 over the last five seasons when Jokic is absent, and the current 22-10 record places them three games ahead of seventh-seed Phoenix.
David Adelman stated:
> “You just have to stay with it as a team and as a group,” … “And honestly, you have to stay with it as a team and a group because that’s how you best support your teammates that are out – by honoring them when you play. So, we’ll move on from there. This is part of the NBA.”
Key Takeaways
- Jokic will miss ~16 games after a hyper-extended knee.
- The Nuggets are 22-10, 3rd in West, but depth concerns rise.
- Jokic averages 29.6 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 11 apg – a rare line.
While Jokic’s injury is a setback, the Nuggets can still contend for the playoffs, but depth will be tested as they navigate the road trip and the remaining games of the season.
