Nuggets to Reevaluate Nikola Jokic in Four Weeks After Knee Hyperextension
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The Denver Nuggets announced Tuesday that three-time MVP Nikola Jokic will be reexamined in approximately four weeks after being diagnosed with a hyperextension of his left knee.
Jokic sustained the injury in Monday’s contest against the Miami Heat. Early reports from Serbia indicated no major structural damage, and the team’s medical update confirmed that outlook.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, imaging revealed Jokic’s knee ligaments remain intact, easing fears of a long-term setback. Even so, league insider Brett Siegel (ClutchPoints) cautioned that the 28-year-old could be sidelined closer to six weeks, which would represent the lengthiest absence of his NBA career.
Denver is already operating without starters Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cameron Johnson, leaving Jamal Murray as the only opening-night starter currently available. Head coach David Adelman said Gordon and Braun might return during the ongoing road trip that runs through Jan. 7. In the meantime, the club expects to lean on Jonas Valanciunas, Tim Hardaway Jr., Peyton Watson, and Spencer Jones to absorb additional minutes.
The Nuggets sit at 22-10, holding a strong position in the Western Conference but with limited cushion. Jokic’s availability also carries award implications: league rules permit a maximum of 17 missed games for end-of-season honors, and Denver plays 18 times before January ends. An extended absence could threaten Jokic’s seven-year All-NBA streak and MVP eligibility.
Before the injury, the center was averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11.0 assists, continuing to post one of the NBA’s most dominant on-off impacts. How long the Nuggets can withstand his absence may hinge on the timely return of their other injured starters.
Source: Hoops Wire
