Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic vs the Memphis Grizzlies (Image via Getty) The Denver Nuggets enter Atlanta tonight with one major boost and that is Nikola Jokic, the three-time MVP and engine of the NBA’s most potent offense, being officially cleared to play. After briefly managing a sprained wrist earlier in the week, Jokic is not only active but listed with no restrictions ahead of Denver’s December 5 matchup at State Farm Arena. The Nuggets, sitting at 15-6, are looking to stack another road win behind their dominant superstar.This matchup also carries added weight for Denver Nuggets, as the team moves forward without several rotation pieces. Even so, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, both fully available, give the defending champions a clear advantage against a Hawks squad battling major injury setbacks of its own. With the Joker’s elite playmaking and Denver’s high-octane attack, fans are primed for a night of fireworks.
Nikola Jokic’s Injury Report vs the Atlanta Hawks (December 5, 2025)
The NBA’s official 12:30 PM ET injury report confirmed Jokic’s clean bill of health, punctuated by his complete absence from Denver’s list. The Nuggets will, however, remain without Aaron Gordon (right hamstring strain), Christian Braun (left ankle sprain), and Julian Strawther (lower back injury management). Rookie Spencer Jones enters as questionable due to a right knee contusion.Atlanta’s situation is even more precarious. Trae Young is sidelined with a right knee MCL sprain, while Jalen Johnson is questionable as he continues to deal with right calf tightness. If Johnson can’t go, the burden of slowing Jokic falls largely on Onyeka Okongwu, who faces an uphill battle against a player averaging 28.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 11.1 assists on 72.4% true shooting this season.
Nikola Jokic’s Recent Form and Expected Impact
Jokic enters this matchup fresh off a 24-point, 13-assist orchestration against the Indiana Pacers, a game that also featured Jamal Murray erupting for 52 points. Even amid roster injuries, Jokic continues to elevate Denver’s offense to historic levels, serving as the focal point of the league’s top-scoring unit. Atlanta struggled to contain him last season, and with Gordon unavailable tonight, expect Jokic to exploit mismatches across the Hawks’ undermanned frontcourt.Fans can envision the full Jokic experience: no-look passes threaded through traffic, effortless rebounding dominance, and the potential for yet another 30-15-10 masterpiece, basketball artistry that leaves defenders baffled.
Stakes for Denver Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks
Denver Nuggets are eyeing a statement road victory over a 13-10 Hawks team attempting to halt a skid. But with Young out and Johnson uncertain, Atlanta faces an enormous challenge in keeping pace. Jokic’s presence alone tilts the matchup toward Denver, and the connection between him and Murray could produce highlight-reel sequences all night long.Also read: Is LaMelo Ball playing tonigh vs the Toronto Raptors? Latest update on the Charlotte Hornets star’s injury report (December 5, 2025)Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET, where Jokic’s MVP brilliance is set to take center stage once again.