The Denver Nuggets find themselves at a critical juncture in the 2024-2025 NBA season as they prepare to face the Portland Trail Blazers without their star player, Nikola Jokic, for the third consecutive game. The Nuggets suffered a painful loss on March 19 against the Los Angeles Lakers, falling 120-108, a game that showcased the impact of Jokic's absence as he continues to nurse a left ankle impingement.
On the court, Luka Doncic stepped up for the Lakers, scoring 31 points in a game that saw Denver’s record drop to 44-26. The Nuggets currently sit just one spot above the Lakers (43-25) in the competitive Western Conference standings. This slide has raised alarms among fans who are concerned about the implications of Jokic’s ankle injury, which he first sustained during a game in Boston on March 3. His absence comes at a pivotal point in the season as the postseason looms.
Jokic, the reigning MVP and a crucial asset to the Nuggets’ championship aspirations, has been unavailable since a narrow loss to the Washington Wizards on March 15, where he visibly struggled on the court. His situation is compounded by recurring elbow pain, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering how this might affect his performance as the playoffs approach.
As reported on March 20, Jokic will miss the Nuggets’ matchup against the Trail Blazers, further complicating Denver's hopes of maintaining their position in the standings. Coach Michael Malone stated, “The last 10 years Nikola Jokic has played the 2nd most games in the NBA…so if Nikola is not playing, it’s not because he’s sitting, it’s not because he needs rest. It's because he’s hurt.”
The team has managed to keep their heads above water in his absence, winning against the Golden State Warriors in a scrappy performance, but they’ve shown vulnerabilities, particularly against stronger opponents like the Lakers. Both Jamal Murray—who sprained his right ankle in the game against the Wizards—and Aaron Gordon, who is also on the injury report, have been mentioned as crucial injuries impacting the roster as well.
Murray, who had been enjoying a career-best season with an average of 21.5 points per game, has also been sidelined, leaving the Nuggets with limited firepower. This matchup against the Blazers is crucial, especially considering they are just two games out of the last play-in slot in the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, Nuggets fans are growing restless. Opinions are varied, with some taking to social media to voice their frustrations. “We need to win this game and hopefully there is nothing serious about Jokic's injury,” one fan lamented. Others were more cynical, believing the team is not managing Jokic’s health properly, with a fan stating, “Denver really grinds out Joker this season. Now he has to face the burden of all these injuries.”
The Nuggets have thrived when fully fit, but without their primary playmaker, they face uncertainty in their playoff quest. As they prepare for their encounter against Portland on March 21, they're looking to break a streak where they've gone just 3-5 without Jokic this season. With four road games remaining, and the next being against the Houston Rockets on March 23, every game counts in their pursuit of a high seed.
The upcoming game against the Blazers will be pivotal for Denver to regain confidence and maintain their playoff positioning. The Nuggets will need to rally without their superstar for the time being, but the organization, fans, and players remain hopeful that Jokic will return to form soon. Ultimately, the success of the Nuggets this season hinges on their ability to navigate these challenges effectively while keeping the bigger picture in focus: a championship run that requires their MVP at full strength.
