Nikola Jokic is predicted to return to the Denver Nuggets’ lineup in some unspecified time in the future throughout their upcoming five-game homestand, although his standing for the rapid future stays unsure. The 2-time MVP has missed the Nuggets’ final 4 video games as a consequence of a left ankle impingement, and head coach Michael Malone acknowledged that Jokic won’t be taking part in in Monday’s dwelling recreation in opposition to the Chicago Bulls. “We’re simply attempting to get dwelling and form of see the place he’s at,” Malone stated after Denver’s 116-111 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday, their first win after two consecutive losses.
Jokic’s absence has not stopped the Nuggets from staying aggressive, however they continue to be in third place within the Western Convention, simply behind the Rockets. With the playoffs approaching, the crew’s main objective is to make sure Jokic is absolutely wholesome for the postseason. Malone emphasised the significance of getting the beginning lineup a while collectively, because the Nuggets haven’t had many alternatives to play at full energy this season. The crew’s probabilities of a profitable playoff run largely rely upon the well being of their famous person middle, whose absence highlights the necessity for Jamal Murray and different key gamers to step up.
Whereas Jokic has not performed since March 15, when he posted an nearly triple-double in opposition to the Washington Wizards, the Nuggets’ upcoming homestand affords a possible alternative for his return. Jokic has been coping with each an ankle impingement and a proper elbow contusion, although the latter damage has not been a big concern just lately. In his absence, Aaron Gordon made his return to the court docket after lacking a number of video games with decrease leg points, and Jamal Murray was again after sitting out two video games as a consequence of an ankle damage.
Malone has acknowledged that whereas Jokic might miss Monday’s recreation, there’s hope that he will likely be again throughout the Nuggets’ homestand, which might permit the crew to get some much-needed chemistry earlier than the playoffs. Denver’s main objective stays guaranteeing that Jokic is absolutely wholesome and able to lead them into the postseason, as his presence is essential for the Nuggets’ probabilities of advancing.
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