The Denver Nuggets are set to get a massive boost with the news that Nikola Jokic is expected to return to the court for tonight’s matchup against the Clippers. Jokic has been out since December 19th with a hyperextension and bone bruise in his left knee. He is officially listed as questionable.
Prior to the injury, Jokic had played himself into the MVP conversation once again. The three-time MVP has averaged 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11.0 assists across 32 games played this season, while missing 16 games.
Assuming he takes the floor tonight as planned, Jokic can miss just one more game for the remainder of the season to remain eligible for the NBA postseason awards based on their 65-game requirement.
Perhaps the bigger takeaway has been the ability of this Denver team to survive without its superstar. The Nuggets have gone 10-6 over the stretch without Jokic and still sit in third place in the Western Conference on the season. They hold a 32-16 record overall. Looking at the odds, the Nuggets hold the second-best odds of winning the NBA Championship at +500 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. They hold +310 odds of winning the Western Conference.
The Clippers enter this matchup as narrow 1.5-point favorites and hold -118 odds on the Moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. Denver holds -102 odds to get the outright win, with the game total set at O/U 217.5 points.
Stay tuned to DK Network for live updates surrounding Jokic and other key players.
