Nikola Jokic Returns As Nuggets Face Clippers In Crucial NBA Showdown

Denver Nuggets fans, the wait is nearly over. After more than a month of uncertainty and anticipation, Nikola Jokic is set to make his much-anticipated return to the court on Friday night at Ball Arena, where the Nuggets will face the red-hot Los Angeles Clippers. The three-time NBA MVP has been sidelined since December 29, 2025, after suffering a bone bruise in his hyperextended left knee during a game against the Miami Heat. That injury forced Jokic to miss 16 consecutive games—the longest absence of his 11-season career.

The news of Jokic’s return, reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania and echoed across major outlets, came as a pleasant surprise to many. Earlier in the week, reports suggested that Jokic would need at least another week of evaluation. But by Thursday, the narrative had shifted. Jokic’s official status was upgraded to "questionable" ahead of Friday’s matchup, but all signs point to Denver’s superstar suiting up and taking the floor.

"He’s back?!?" exclaimed Denver Sports, capturing the excitement rippling through Colorado. The Nuggets, who have managed to stay afloat in Jokic’s absence, now look poised to get a major boost as they enter a crucial stretch of the season. The timing couldn’t be better. The Clippers, winners of 16 of their last 19 games, present a formidable challenge, especially on the second night of a back-to-back for Denver.

Jokic’s return isn’t just a relief for fans—it’s a lifeline for Denver’s postseason ambitions and his own pursuit of another MVP trophy. Thanks to the NBA’s new 65-game minimum rule for awards eligibility, Jokic’s return on Friday is critical. He’s played 32 games so far this season, and with 34 remaining, he’ll have just one more absence to spare if he hopes to remain in the running for MVP and All-NBA honors. "Jokic’s plan to return comes Friday night against the Los Angeles Clippers at Ball Arena after being sidelined since Dec. 29 with a bone bruise in his hyperextended left knee," reported Denver Sports.

Prior to his injury, Jokic was putting up some of the most dominant numbers of his career: 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and a career-high 11 assists per game. His shooting splits are nothing short of sensational, with 60.5% from the field and a blistering 43.5% from behind the arc. He also leads the NBA with 16 triple-doubles, further cementing his status as one of the league’s most versatile and impactful players.

Despite missing their franchise cornerstone, the Nuggets have held their ground. Denver went 10-6 during Jokic’s 16-game absence, improving to a 32-16 record—good for third place in the Western Conference. The team’s resilience has been on full display, with key contributions from Jamal Murray, who is averaging career bests in points (25.9), assists (7.3), and rebounds (4.3) this season. Peyton Watson, a first-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has also stepped up, averaging 22.1 points in the 15 games without Jokic—double his output from earlier in the season.

Jokic’s return is expected to have an immediate impact, even if he’s eased back into action with a minutes restriction. As Ryan Blackburn noted on the Pickaxe and Roll podcast, "adding his minutes back to the mix will elevate the entire group." The Nuggets are coming off a clutch win over the Brooklyn Nets, where Michael Porter Jr. made his return and Jamal Murray hit big shots down the stretch. The team’s depth has been tested, but reinforcements are on the way.

However, the injury bug hasn’t finished haunting Denver. Forward Aaron Gordon, who is averaging a career-high 17.7 points per game in his 12th NBA season, will be sidelined for at least another month after aggravating a right hamstring strain. The Nuggets announced Thursday that Gordon will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks, potentially setting up an early March return. Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson remain out for Friday’s game but are expected to return before the All-Star break, according to head coach David Adelman. Jonas Valanciunas and Jamal Murray are probable for Friday’s contest, offering additional stability to the rotation.

The Nuggets’ ability to weather this storm has been remarkable. Several deep reserves have seen significant action, and the team has managed to stay near the top of the standings despite a rash of injuries. Denver’s record during Jokic’s absence is a testament to the team’s depth and the coaching staff’s adaptability. As CBS Sports observed, "The Nuggets have kept the ship afloat with several deep reserves seeing significant action—but reinforcements appear to be coming."

Looking ahead, Jokic’s return comes at a pivotal time. After Friday’s clash with the Clippers, Denver will host the Oklahoma City Thunder—the reigning NBA champions—on Sunday. That matchup promises to be a litmus test for the Nuggets’ championship aspirations and for Jokic’s readiness after a month on the sidelines. If for any reason Jokic doesn’t play Friday, Sunday’s showdown with the Thunder would be his next opportunity to return.

Jokic’s MVP candidacy remains alive, but the margin for error is razor-thin. Sportsbooks currently list him with the second-best odds at +550, trailing only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder, who sits at -340. Luka Dončić of the Lakers, Cade Cunningham, and Jaylen Brown round out the top five in MVP odds. If Jokic misses more than one game the rest of the way, he’ll be ineligible for the league’s most prestigious individual honors. The stakes are high, and every minute on the court will count.

For Nuggets fans, Friday’s game is more than just another regular-season matchup. It’s the return of the Joker, the heartbeat of Denver basketball, and a chance to see if the team can recapture the magic that made them contenders. The Nuggets will need all hands on deck as they navigate the season’s second half and strive to stay among the Western Conference elite.

As the action tips off at Ball Arena, all eyes will be on Jokic—his health, his performance, and his ability to lift the Nuggets once again. With the playoff race heating up and the MVP conversation wide open, Denver’s superstar is back in the spotlight, ready to write the next chapter in his storied career.

Friday night’s game against the Clippers marks a turning point for the Nuggets. With Jokic’s return, Denver’s hopes for a deep playoff run and another MVP campaign are very much alive. The journey continues, and the Mile High City is buzzing with anticipation.