Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight? Get the latest on his status ahead of Hawks clash

As the Denver Nuggets prepare to return home following one of the most turbulent road trips of the decade, all eyes remain firmly fixed on Nikola Jokic’s availability.

With the Atlanta Hawks next on the schedule, fans are searching for clarity on whether the reigning superstar will be back on the floor—or if Denver will once again need to adjust without its offensive centerpiece.

Here’s the latest on Jokic’s status and what it means for the Nuggets ahead of tonight’s matchup.

What happened to Nikola Jokic?

Jokic’s injury concerns escalated during Denver’s road trip when he went down clutching his left knee in Miami, a moment that briefly sent shockwaves through the organization. Initial fear gave way to cautious relief after medical imaging revealed a bone bruise rather than structural damage.

However, the diagnosis still came with a significant timetable. Nikola Jokic was given an estimated recovery window of at least four weeks, a stretch that immediately altered Denver’s rotation plans and overall season outlook.

Is Jokic playing against Hawks?

Based on the current medical timeline, Nikola Jokic is not expected to play tonight against the Atlanta Hawks. Denver Nuggets have not indicated any deviation from the recovery plan, and the team continues to proceed carefully with their franchise cornerstone.

With the injury still in its early recovery phase, Denver appears committed to prioritizing long-term health over a rushed return, particularly given Nikola Jokic’s central importance to their championship aspirations.

Denver Nuggets show resilience without their star

Despite the loss of Jokic and several other rotation players, Denver managed to navigate a chaotic seven-game road trip with a respectable 3–4 record. The stretch included dramatic late-game finishes, heavy travel demands, flight delays, and multiple lineup disruptions.

Denver Nuggets impressed with a win in Toronto despite missing Jokic and three other starters, followed by a narrow late collapse in Cleveland.

Perhaps most remarkable was an overtime victory in Philadelphia achieved with just seven available rotation players, capping what many around the league viewed as an extraordinary display of resilience.

That stretch has reinforced Denver’s confidence in its depth, but it has also highlighted just how different the team looks without Nikola Jokic anchoring the offense and facilitating play.

With two home games scheduled this weekend, the Nuggets are entering a regrouping phase. Jokic’s absence continues to shape Denver’s short-term strategy, forcing the coaching staff to rely on committee scoring, increased defensive effort, and lineup flexibility.