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 instant future stays unsure. The 2-time MVP has missed the Nuggets’ final 4 video games attributable to a left ankle impingement, and head coach Michael Malone acknowledged that Jokic won’t be enjoying in Monday’s dwelling sport towards the Chicago Bulls. “We’re simply making an attempt to get dwelling and type 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 group’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 power this season. The group’s probabilities of a profitable playoff run largely depend 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 towards the Washington Wizards, the Nuggets’ upcoming homestand provides 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 major concern not too long ago. 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 attributable to an ankle damage.
Malone has acknowledged that whereas Jokic could miss Monday’s sport, there’s hope that he can be again through the Nuggets’ homestand, which might enable the group to get some much-needed chemistry earlier than the playoffs. Denver’s main objective stays making certain 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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