The Denver Nuggets remain one of the best teams in the Western Conference, and with their superstar Nikola Jokic back on the court, they are well positioned to make another deep run in the NBA playoffs.
Jokic hyperextended his left knee in late December, forcing him to miss 16 games, the longest absence of his 11-year career. However, the 30-year-old Serbian center returned in late January and has picked up right where he left off.
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Before going down, Jokic had continued to play at an MVP-level. He already has an impressive NBA legacy as a three-time league MVP, eight-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA selection, and this year he is looking to add a second NBA title with such a talented group around him.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
(© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
If he does so, he will need to stay at full health. Yet Jokic has already been added back to the injury report ahead of Saturday’s game against the Chicago Bulls, immediately raising concern as he only returned a week ago from his knee injury.
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The Nuggets announced on Friday that Jokic’s status is in doubt for Saturday’s matchup as he is dealing with a left ankle sprain. He received a questionable designation (h/t Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette).
It is unclear whether he suffered the injury during Wednesday’s win against the New York Knicks, but it is another setback in a season where he has also dealt with wrist issues, which is a tough break for Denver.
He has continued to play elite basketball when on the court. Jokic is so dominant because he blends size, vision and touch in a way no other center can match. He controls the pace of games, creates shots for teammates, scores efficiently from every level, and reads defenses better than anyone in the league.
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Throughout 36 games, Jokic has averaged 29.1 points, 12.1 rebounds, 10.5 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 59.4% from the field and 41.8% from beyond the arc.
Denver will likely take a cautious approach with Jokic’s ankle, knowing the long-term goal is another deep playoff run. Preserving his health now gives the Nuggets their best chance to peak when it matters most.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.