Good news for Nuggets fans as Nikola Jokic nears return
The Denver Nuggets star has been sidelined for a month with a left knee injury.
For the first time in 2026, Denver Nuggets fans may be about to see Nikola Jokic back on the court.
The three-time NBA Most Valuable Player has been out since December 29 due to a knee injury picked up against the Miami Heat. Jokic suffered a hyper-extended left knee and has not featured for the team since.
Denver's Nikola Jokic – out since Dec. 29 with a knee injury – plans to return tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers at home, sources tell ESPN. Jokic now is in position to also play in Sunday's showdown vs. Oklahoma City in Denver and be eligible for the season awards. pic.twitter.com/2Y6bncli50
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 30, 2026
On Friday ESPN reported that Jokic is in line to return for Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Looking ahead, Jokic should also be fit to play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Sunday’s crucial Western Conference clash.
Can Nikola Jokic still win MVP?
Yes, but only just. That one-month absence saw Jokic sit out 18 games for the Nuggets, the most games he has ever missed in a single season.
He has currently made 32 NBA appearances this year and Denver have 34 regular-season games remaining, meaning that he can narrowly make it to the 65-game threshold for MVP eligibility. If he can remain fit and continue his usual performance level there is no reason why he can’t claim a fourth Most Valuable Player award.
The 30-year-old is currently average 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and 11.0 assists per game in 2025/26 and he stands second in the list of MVP favorites, behind only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
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