58Breakdown
Performance
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February 2, 2026
Slated to play Sunday
Jokic (knee) is available for Sunday's game against the Thunder, Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports.
Analysis
Jokic was previously listed as probable while managing a left knee bone bruise and will suit up Sunday as expected. After missing 16 games due to his knee injury, the superstar returned Friday with a strong showing, totaling 31 points (8-11 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 13-17 FT), 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals across 25 minutes in a win over the Clippers.
January 31, 2026
Likely to face OKC
Jokic (knee) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Thunder.
Analysis
Jokic is likely to play in a second consecutive contest following a 16-game absence due to a left knee bone bruise. The star big man operated under a minutes restriction during his return in Friday's win over the Clippers, when he posted 31 points (8-11 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 13-17 FT), 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals across 25 minutes. While he may see a slight bump in minutes if he's cleared to play Sunday, the Nuggets will likely continue to monitor his playing time.
January 31, 2026
Posts big numbers in return
Jokic (knee) notched 31 points (8-11 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 13-17 FT), 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals across 25 minutes in Friday's 122-109 win over the Clippers.
Analysis
Jokic returned to action following a 16-game absence due to a left knee bone bruise and performed as well as ever despite playing less than a full workload. After the game, head coach David Adelman noted that Jokic would have been available to play three more minutes "at the most," per TheDNVR.com, but the Nuggets were able to keep the three-time MVP's playing time in check after he ran into foul trouble in the first half. The Nuggets then held a comfortable lead down the stretch, allowing Jokic to rest for the final two minutes of the double-digit win. Given Adelman's comments, Jokic seems likely to be held under 30 minutes in the Nuggets' next game Sunday versus the Thunder, but the standout center could be free of restrictions in standalone games by the end of next week.
January 31, 2026
Will play Friday
Jokic (knee) is available for Friday's game against the Clippers.
Analysis
This will be Jokic's first game in over a month, so while he will start, the three-time MVP will have his minutes monitored, according to Vic Lombardi of Altitude Sports. Jonas Valanciunas will likely head back to the second unit with Jokic active, and Zeke Nnaji's minutes will see a sizable dip. Even with a minutes restriction, Jokic is a must-start option.
January 30, 2026
Plans to return Friday
Jokic (knee) is expected to play Friday against the Clippers, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Analysis
Jokic is officially listed as questionable on the NBA injury report, but barring a setback leading up to Friday's 9 p.m. ET tipoff, the three-time MVP looks poised to put an end to his 16-game absence due to a left knee bone bruise, which he suffered in a Dec. 29 loss to the Heat. Charania had previously reported Tuesday that Jokic wasn't scheduled to be re-evaluated for another week, but the veteran center evidently responded to workouts better than expected over the next few days and looks like he'll be given the green light to suit up Friday. Assuming Jokic ends up playing, expect him to operate with a minutes restriction.
January 27, 2026
Re-evaluated in one week
Jokic (knee) will be re-evaluated in about one week, ESPN's Shams Charania reports.
Analysis
"He is making great progress; he's in the ramp-up phase of his return-to-play process," Charania added. Jokic, who hasn't played since Dec. 29 due to a left knee bone bruise, was cleared for on-court workouts on Jan. 14. He has continued to trend in the right direction, setting up a potential return in early February.