Nikola Jokic is predicted to return to the Denver Nuggets’ lineup sooner or later throughout their upcoming five-game homestand, although his standing for the rapid future stays unsure. The 2-time MVP has missed the Nuggets’ final 4 video games on account of a left ankle impingement, and head coach Michael Malone said that Jokic won’t be taking part in in Monday’s dwelling recreation towards the Chicago Bulls. “We’re simply attempting to get dwelling and type of see the place he’s at,” Malone mentioned 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 workforce’s main aim 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 workforce’s probabilities of a profitable playoff run largely rely on the well being of their celebrity heart, 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 virtually triple-double towards the Washington Wizards, the Nuggets’ upcoming homestand presents 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 just lately. In his absence, Aaron Gordon made his return to the courtroom after lacking a number of video games with decrease leg points, and Jamal Murray was again after sitting out two video games on account of an ankle damage.
Malone has said that whereas Jokic could miss Monday’s recreation, there may be hope that he will likely be again throughout the Nuggets’ homestand, which might enable the workforce to get some much-needed chemistry earlier than the playoffs. Denver’s main aim stays guaranteeing 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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