Nikola Jokic Injury Update: Denver Nuggets gets a clear picture on his return

Denver Nuggets are beginning to gain clarity on Nikola Jokic’s recovery timeline as the reigning champions continue to navigate life without their franchise centerpiece.

Since Jokic suffered a hyperextension in his right knee, Denver’s margin for error has noticeably tightened, reinforcing just how vital the three-time MVP is to their title ambitions.

Denver Nuggets feel Jokic’s absence on the floor

Denver has gone 3–4 without Jokic since the injury, a sharp contrast to their 22–9 record when he plays. While the Nuggets have managed to stay competitive, the numbers underline the challenge of maintaining consistency without the league’s most complete center anchoring the offense.

Despite the urgency to get Jokic back, Denver has remained cautious, understanding that rushing his return could jeopardize both the postseason and the long-term health of their star.

Early February emerging as a target window

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Nuggets are circling a potential return date, though it may come later than initially hoped.

“Early February increasingly looks like it could be the soonest that Nikola Jokic and Cam Johnson, both felled by recent knee injuries, can realistically return to the Nuggets' lineup,” Stein reported.

That timeline contrasts slightly with an earlier report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, who suggested Denver was “looking at the end of [January] as a window” for Jokic’s comeback. Whether it’s late January or early February, the Nuggets now have a clearer framework for planning the remainder of the month.

MVP implications add another layer

If Nikola Jokic’s return stretches into February, he is expected to miss at least 12 more games, bringing his total absences close to 19. Missing 17 games or more would make him ineligible for MVP and All-NBA honors, a significant subplot given his historic production.

Before the injury, Jokic was averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11.0 assists, while shooting 60.5% from the field and 43.5% from three-point range—numbers that place him squarely among the league’s elite.

Denver staying patient amid uncertainty

Nuggets head coach David Adelman recently acknowledged Jokic’s mindset, saying the center is “anxious to get back.” While Denver shares that urgency, the focus remains on staying afloat through January as Jamal Murray and the rest of the rotation shoulder the load.