Three-time MVP Nikola Jokić missed the last 16 games for the Nuggets, who went 10-6 in his absence. Rich Storry / Getty Images
Jan. 30, 2026Updated 3:09 pm EST
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić is set to make his return from a knee injury Friday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, a team source told The Athletic.
The three-time NBA MVP has been sidelined since Dec. 29. When Jokić was sidelined, the expectation was that the Nuggers would fall in the Western Conference standings. However, Denver managed to go 10-6 in his absence and was third in the Western Conference at 32-16 entering Friday night.
The Jokić news comes after it was announced Thursday that another key piece would be out for an extended period. Forward Aaron Gordon will be sidelined for at least 4-6 weeks with a right hamstring strain, the team announced. Gordon had returned from a prior injury earlier this month after being out since November.
Denver has struggled mightily in the past without Jokić on the floor, but has been successful this season thanks largely to the play of guard Jamal Murray. In pursuit of his first All-Star selection, Murray is averaging 25.9 points and 7.3 assists per game on nearly 49% shooting. In games where Jokić has been absent, Murray has upped his numbers to 27.8 points, 8.3 assists and 4.2 rebounds in 12 games.
Still, Jokić will provide a huge boost to Denver’s offense. The 30-year-old was off to a torrid start before being sidelined, averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11 assists in 32 games.
With his return, Jokic also still has a chance to meet the 65-game threshold for regular-season awards and keep his All-NBA streak alive. If he plays 33 of Denver’s final 34 games, the eight-time All-Star would remain eligible for an All-NBA selection. The Serbian native has earned those honors in five straight seasons, including four first-team appearances.