Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic just avoided a major knee injury against the Miami Heat on Monday night. Jokic injured his left knee in the second quarter, and it seemed like he hyperextended his knee after teammate Spencer Jones stepped on him beneath the basket.
A hyperextension generally means that the knee is bent beyond its usual limit. Speaking of this injury to the press, Nuggets coach David Adelman said:
“All I know is that Jokic has a left knee injury and he needs to go through the process of what it is…immediately. He knew something was wrong…It was gut wrenching.”
Besides announcing that Jokic is scheduled for an MRI on Tuesday, Adelman did not provide any other update following the Nuggets’ 147-123 defeat against the Miami Heat. He added that the Nuggets will “go through the process properly” and that he was “hoping for the best.”
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Despite avoiding any major injury, Jokic may be sidelined for several weeks. The Nuggets’ MRI results indicate that Jokic may have avoided a ligament injury, especially an ACL tear, as reported by Shams Charania. While leaving the floor after his injury, Jokic’s limp was noticeable, and he did not return to the floor.
Both Jokic and Jamal Murray had to miss a few games in the first half of the season due to their injuries. Earlier, the Joker had picked up a bruise to his right shooting elbow in addition to an ankle impingement that limited his range of motion. All of these issues kept Jokic out for several games, which invariably affected the Nuggets’ results.
How Long Will Nikola Jokic Be Out For?
As per Shams Charania, Nikola Jokic is diagnosed with a hyperextension in his left knee and is set to miss at least four weeks of action. The Denver Nuggets heaved a sigh of relief as the MRI test results showed that Jokic’s knee ligaments are intact.
Just in: Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic has been diagnosed with a hyperextension in his left knee and will miss at least four weeks. An immense sigh of relief as tests show the three-time NBA MVP’s knee ligaments are intact. pic.twitter.com/u8qLE0GDd3
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 30, 2025
Jokic finished the night with 21 points, five rebounds, and eight assists before exiting the game with only six seconds left in the second quarter. Without Jokic, the Nuggets might falter to keep up with a strong West. The Joker is currently averaging absurd numbers – 29.9 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 11.1 assists. Sure enough, the next four weeks might be tough for Denver this season.
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