Nikola Jokic. Image via: Getty Images Nikola Jokic will play on Monday night when the Denver Nuggets visit the Miami Heat on December 29, 2025. He is not listed on Denver’s injury report and is fully available for the game.That matters for a Nuggets team dealing with several injuries elsewhere in the rotation. With key players out, Denver continues to rely on Jokic to run almost everything offensively. Miami fans should expect the ball in his hands early and often.
Nikola Jokic’s Current Form
Nikola Jokic is averaging 29.9 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 11.1 assists this season. Those numbers have helped Denver reach a 22–9 record, good for third place in the Western Conference.His recent games have pushed those averages even higher. On Christmas Day against Minnesota, Jokic finished with 56 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists. Two nights later against Orlando, he followed up with 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 12 assists. Miami will need a clear plan in the paint, because Jokic has been punishing double teams and single coverage alike.
Denver Nuggets vs Miami Heat Injury Reports (December 29, 2025)
Denver is missing several rotation players, but Jokic remains available.Denver Nuggets: • Christian Braun (ankle) – out • Tamar Bates (foot) – out • Aaron Gordon (hamstring) – out • Cam Johnson (knee) – outMiami Heat: • Bam Adebayo (back) – probable • Tyler Herro (toe) – out (27th missed game of 33) • Terry Rozier (not with team) – out • Vlad Goldin (G League) – out • Jahmir Young (G League) – outMiami’s defense looks very different without Herro and Rozier, and Bam Adebayo’s status is important given the matchup.
Denver Nuggets vs Miami Heat Game Details and Recent Results
The Denver Nuggets enter at 22-9, while the Heat are 17-15 and sit seventh in the East. The game tips off at 7:30 PM ET at Kaseya Center and airs on FanDuel Sports Network Sun.Denver has won nine of the last ten meetings between the teams, dating back to the 2023 NBA Finals. Earlier this season, the Nuggets beat Miami 122–112, with Jokic posting 33 points, 15 rebounds, and 16 assists.
Matchups to Watch
If Bam Adebayo plays, he will be Miami’s main option on Nikola Jokic. Miami will lean on Norman Powell for scoring with Herro out, while Jamal Murray is expected to test Miami’s backcourt defense. Denver is projected to start Murray, Hardaway Jr., Watson, Jones, and Jokic. Miami is expected to go with Mitchell, Powell, Wiggins, Adebayo, and Ware.Jokic controls the game the way he has all month, Denver will be in a strong position to leave Miami with another win.