Denver Nuggets fans can breathe a sigh of relief as coach Michael Malone has confirmed that star center Nikola Jokic is expected to return to the lineup during the team’s upcoming five-game homestand.
The reigning NBA Finals MVP has been sidelined for the past four games due to a left ankle impingement, forcing the Nuggets to navigate crucial late-season matchups without their linchpin.
The Nuggets managed a 116-111 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday, showcasing their resilience despite Jokic’s absence.
However, Malone clarified that Jokic would not be available for Monday’s homestand opener against the Chicago Bulls.
“He’s going to play in Denver, the five-game homestand,” Malone stated after the Rockets game. “He’ll play at some point, hopefully in that five-game homestand. Obviously, he’s not playing today (Sunday). I don’t think he’ll play tomorrow (Monday). We’re just trying to get home and kind of see where he’s at.”
The Nuggets’ homestand features a challenging slate of games, with matchups against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, the Utah Jazz on Friday, and the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 1. The homestand concludes against the San Antonio Spurs the following night.
Jokic, a three-time Kia NBA MVP, has been delivering another stellar season, averaging 29.1 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.3 assists.
His absence has undoubtedly impacted the Nuggets, who have gone 1-2 in their last three games without him.
With just 11 games remaining in the regular season, Malone emphasized the importance of reintegrating Jokic into the starting lineup before the playoffs.
“It would be great to have a chance to get the starting five some run together, because we haven’t had a lot of opportunities to do that this season,” Malone explained.
The Nuggets are looking to solidify their playoff positioning and build momentum heading into the postseason.
Jokic’s return is crucial for their championship aspirations, and the team is carefully managing his recovery to ensure he’s at peak performance when it matters most.
