The Denver Nuggets will have their star player Nikola Jokic on the court for tonight’s game against the Phoenix Suns, as confirmed by the team shortly before game time. This comes after Jokic was initially listed as questionable due to a wrist sprain, but he is set to play and has not missed any games this season.
However, the Nuggets will be missing key players Aaron Gordon, who is sidelined with a right hamstring strain, Christian Braun with a left ankle sprain, and Julian Strawther, who is out for lower back injury management.
For the Suns, Jalen Green is out with a hamstring strain, and Isaiah Livers is also unavailable due to right hip soreness as Phoenix faces the second night of a back-to-back. Grayson Allen (quad contusion), Ryan Dunn (wrist sprain), Jordan Goodwin (left ankle sprain), and Mark Williams (right calf soreness) were all listed as questionable before the game, but both Williams and Dunn have been confirmed as out.
Nikola Jokic continues to impress this season, boasting averages of 29.1 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 11 assists per game, marking personal bests in rebounds and assists. His shooting statistics are equally remarkable, with a field goal percentage of 62.8% and a three-point percentage of 44%, both of which would set new career highs if maintained.
Suns coach Jordan Ott has lauded Jokic, referring to him as “the playmaker” and emphasizing that “everything flows through him.” Jokic’s influence was evident in their previous match, where he recorded a triple-double with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 15 assists against the Suns.
The Nuggets’ performance improves significantly with Jokic on the court, as they rank near the top of the league in several categories including points per game (124.5), field goal percentage (50.8%), three-point percentage (38%), and free throw percentage (83.1%).
Recently, LeBron James praised Jokic’s skills on the Mind the Game podcast, stating that he is “the most dominant, complete player” he has faced, capable of excelling in every aspect of the offensive game.
The game is set to tip off shortly after 7:00 PM MST, and fans are eagerly anticipating Jokic’s continued brilliance on the court.