Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic vs the Memphis Grizzlies (Image via Getty) Nikola Jokic will play for the Denver Nuggets in their February 4, 2026 game against the New York Knicks. He is not on the team’s injury report and is expected to be in the lineup at Madison Square Garden.His return gives Denver stability at a time when the team is dealing with other injuries. With Jokic available, the game looks more balanced and features two teams in strong positions this season.
Nikola Jokic’s Injury Timeline and Return
Nikola Jokic missed 16 games earlier in the season after hyperextending his left knee during a late-December game against the Miami Heat. Tests showed a bone bruise, and surgery was not needed.The Nuggets kept him out for about four weeks and focused on recovery rather than rushing him back. Since returning, he has played in three straight games. In a close loss to the Detroit Pistons, he recorded 24 points and 15 rebounds in 33 minutes.Denver has increased his minutes step by step but continues to manage his workload as he regains full conditioning.
Why There Were Questions About Nikola’s Status
There were two main reasons people were unsure if he would play.- The first was scheduling. This is Denver Nuggtes’ first back-to-back since his return, and teams often limit players in that situation, especially after a knee injury. The Nuggets are also handling other roster issues, including absences and questionable tags for Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun.The second factor involves award eligibility. Nikola Jokic can miss only one more game and still qualify for major end-of-season awards such as MVP. That makes the team more likely to play him when he is medically cleared.Betting lines reflected some uncertainty. Denver was a 3.5-point underdog in its previous game but entered this matchup as about a 6.5-point underdog, suggesting concern about overall roster health rather than Jokic himself.
Jokic’s Numbers Since Returning
SpanPointsReboundsAssistsFG%3P% Last 3 Games 23.7 11.3 5.7 59% 60%He is still on pace to average a triple-double for the season, showing how central he is to Denver’s offense.
What to Expect Against New York Knicks
Denver Nuggets are expected to run much of its offense through Jokic. He can create scoring chances in the paint and from the high post, and he usually draws extra defenders, which opens shots for teammates.The Knicks enter the game healthy and on a seven-game winning streak. Having Jokic available removes any idea that Denver is short-handed and makes this a stronger test for both teams.He is likely to play around 30 to 34 minutes, handle the ball often in pick-and-roll situations, and look to involve cutters and perimeter shooters when defenses collapse.
What This Game Means
– Denver Nuggeets: A win would help the Nuggets stay near the top three in the Western Conference and recover from recent losses to strong teams such as Oklahoma City and Detroit. – New York: The Knicks get a chance to face a Denver team with its best player active, something they did not see during his absence.The situation is clear. Jokic is playing, and his presence puts the focus back on the matchup rather than on injuries.