As the Denver Nuggets gear up for a pivotal five-game homestand, they will once again have to navigate their upcoming matchup against the Chicago Bulls without their star center, Nikola Jokic. The three-time NBA MVP has been sidelined due to a left ankle impingement, missing his fifth consecutive game on March 24, 2025, following injuries that have recently plagued him, including elbow and shoulder issues.
Head coach Michael Malone expressed optimism about Jokic's return during the homestand but confirmed he wouldn’t be available for the opening game against the Bulls. "He’s going to play in Denver, the five-game homestand," Malone said, adding, "He'll play at some point, hopefully in that five-game homestand. I don't think he'll play tomorrow [Monday]." This cautious approach aims to ensure that Jokic’s recovery is prioritized, especially as the team braces for the tight playoff race looming ahead.
The Nuggets’ homestand kicks off with the Bulls, followed by games against the Milwaukee Bucks, Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves, and San Antonio Spurs. During his absence, the Nuggets have struggled to establish consistency in their play, managing a 2-2 record without their leading scorer. The losses have highlighted the impact of Jokic's absence; the team is 4-6 this season when he doesn’t suit up and has a striking net point differential of 12.5 points worse when he is not on the floor.
In Jokic's absence, forward DeAndre Jordan has stepped up significantly, notably playing a pivotal role in the Nuggets' strategy in recent games. However, his contributions alone haven’t fully compensated for the depth and skill Jokic brings to the court. Jordan logged 38 minutes during a key win against the Houston Rockets, contributing a double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds to help propel his team forward.
On the opposing end, the Bulls have been performing well, winning seven of their last nine games, including a decisive 31-point victory against the Los Angeles Lakers just before facing the Nuggets. With the Bulls ranking sixth in the league for rebounding, the absence of Jokic—who leads the team in rebounds—is expected to create a significant challenge.
Despite the adversities of losing their star player, the Nuggets have found ways to fight through with contributions from other players like Jamal Murray. Last game against Houston, Murray delivered an impressive 39 points, attempting to fill the expansive shoes left by Jokic. However, replicating Jokic's triple-double impact is a different ballgame altogether.
For the Nuggets, securing a victory against the Bulls is crucial not only for morale but also for their position in the playoff race. The team hopes to get back to the winning column and build some momentum as they head into a demanding schedule. Currently sitting third in the Western Conference at 45-27, the Nuggets are just a game behind the Houston Rockets and marginally ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers, making each game increasingly vital.
The NBA mandates that players must participate in at least 65 games to qualify for awards at the season's end. With 10 games remaining after the Bulls contest, Jokic will need to play three of those to maintain his eligibility. Historically, Jokic has never played fewer than 69 games in a season—his current absence introduces some uncertainty about his streak.
While the Nuggets will no doubt miss Jokic's court presence and exceptional playmaking abilities, the focus has shifted to how they can strategize for future games, ensuring that the team remains competitive in the playoffs. Malone's approach, giving Jokic time to recover adequately while also preparing his team for the immediate challenges ahead, will be crucial as they seek to solidify their postseason aspirations.
This evening's matchup against the Bulls is set for 9:00 PM EST at Ball Arena, drawing in fans anticipating what a Jokic-less Nuggets squad can do against an energized Chicago team. As the preparations continue, the stakes have never been higher for Denver, who must blend patience with urgency as they navigate through unanswered questions regarding their leading player’s health.
