Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets will host the Cleveland Cavaliers for their next game at Ball Arena on February 9. The Nuggets are experiencing a rough patch, having lost three of their last five games, while the Cavaliers are on a winning run. They have won three consecutive games and are rejuvenated after James Harden joined the offense in the trade period. The Nuggets’ job won’t be easy, considering their latest injury report.
After Jokic returned to the team from his knee injury, he felt out of rhythm for a couple of games. In their last game against the Chicago Bulls, the squad managed to register a win, and the Serbian star was back to his triple-double run, scoring 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 17 assists. However, the latest injury report might worry fans.
Nikola Jokic is ‘Probable’ for the next game due to a left ankle sprain, while Jamal Murray has also been marked ‘Questionable’ due to a left hip inflammation. Meanwhile, Aaron Gordon remains ‘Out’ due to his right hamstring sprain. The Nuggets might get short-handed if either of the two stars is not cleared.
Jokic seemed to have developed a different issue after his knee injury that kept him away for almost a month. More missed games will also hurt his MVP campaign, but the center earlier cleared that he was not worried about awards.
Murray did not look fine when he exited the game against the Bulls with four minutes in regulation. He limped his way to the locker room after a contested lay-up attempt on Guerschon Yabusele. However, he returned to the bench, which might have relieved fans.
Harden has taken work off Donovan Mitchell’s plate, facilitating the offense. He scored 23 points and eight assists on his debut with the team. Without Jokic in the rotation, the James Harden-Jarett Allen lob threat might haunt the Nuggets for the entire game. With Mitchell on the perimeter, he will attract a lot of attention and give ample room to Allen in the paint.
Nikola Jokic passes Oscar Robertson to move to second in all-time triple-doubles
Nikola Jokic has now surpassed Oscar Robertson’s 181 triple-doubles to grab second place on the list. The Serbian has been the centerpiece for Denver management since he arrived on the team. He has taken the franchise to a championship and is a three-time MVP.
However, Jamal Murray was up for the opportunity when Jokic wasn’t on the court. He is averaging a career-high 26 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists. Even then, the Cavs’ challenge will need the two to be healthy and running.
NBA All-star Celebrity Game 2026: List of all confirmed participants
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
