Nikola Jokic has resumed on-court workouts for the Denver Nuggets and is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a knee injury, with a late January return expected, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.
“A big development here: Nikola Jokic has resumed on-court workouts for Denver, and he’s right on schedule, if not a little bit ahead of schedule for making his return to the lineup by the end of this month,” Charania said. “The Nuggets are optimistic Nikola Jokic will be able to return by that late January mark. He’s making great progress, rapid progress.”
Jokic has not played since December 29 when he suffered a bone bruise out of a hyperextended left knee during Denver’s loss to the Miami Heat. He avoided a season-ending setback or one that required surgery.
The return timeline aligns with the initial four-week projection. Jokic may avoid a situation where he would be ineligible for postseason awards and All-NBA recognition if he returns this month. If Jokic plays in at least 65 games, he will remain one of the favorites to win MVP alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Jokic is averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and 11.0 assists per game this season. Those numbers would put him firmly in the MVP discussion if he reaches the 65-game requirement.
Denver has managed a 6-3 record since Jokic’s injury and has won four of the last five games. Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun have also missed time during this stretch, although Murray and Gordon are back in the lineup.
The Nuggets sit in third place in the Western Conference standings despite the injuries. If they can remain in that position by the time Jokic returns, they figure to be one of the top challengers for the reigning-champion Oklahoma City Thunder come playoff time.