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Back-to-back NBA MVP Nikola Jokic has been officially listed by the Denver Nuggets as questionable tonight against the LA Clippers. Denver is using right injury wrist management as the reason for potentially missing the game.
Jokic has been available for the Nuggets since he sat out last Nov. 20 due to the same issue. He will only miss his fourth game of the season if his team keeps him sidelined tonight.
The Serbian basketball superstar is averaging 24.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, 10.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in his last 10 games. The four-time NBA All-Star is making 62.5% of his shots and 88.9% of his free throws during that said period. He led Denver toan 8-2 record in that span.
If Nikola Jokic misses the game tonight, Zeke Nnaji and Aaron Gordon are expected to see more minutes.
Meanwhile, Chicago Bulls NBA All-Star forward DeMar DeRozan could miss his second straight game. He is dealing with a right quadricep strain, which he suffered in the Bulls’ 107-99 loss to the Boston Celtics last Monday.
The Bulls have designated him as doubtful for tonight’s encounter versus the OKC Thunder. DeRozan has reportedly failed to practice with the team since acquiring the injury. There’s a big chance he’ll be sitting out the match versus the Thunder.
The five-time NBA All-Star has been a big reason why the Bulls have slowly climbed their way to 10th in the East. “Deebo” is averaging 26.1 points on a career-high 50.6% shooting. He is also putting up 5.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.
Jamal Murray: Left ankle sprain; Injured since January 11, 2023
Jamal Murray rolled his ankle in the Denver Nuggets’ 126-97 rout of the Phoenix Suns the other night. He played 25 minutes and finished with 16 points, two rebounds, and six assists.
After the game, Nuggets head coach Mike Malone told the media he was confident that their point guard would not miss any action. Murray, though, is still on the injury report as probable versus the LA Clippers.
Murray is averaging 18.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 34 games this season. These are significantly encouraging numbers after he sat out last NBA season due to an ACL injury.
He is still prone to so-so performances but has steadily regained his rhythm and confidence. “Glitch” has been a big part of the Nuggets’ climb to the top of the Western Conference standings. Unless there’s a big setback, he’s expected to suit up tonight.
Deandre Ayton Left ankle sprain; Injured since January 8, 2023
Deandre Ayton sprained his ankle late in the game between the Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers last Jan. 8. The Suns sidelined him for two consecutive games before upgrading him to questionable tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Suns have several players who have been ruled out tonight, including Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Cameron Johnson, and Landry Shamet. Getting Ayton back will be a big boost to their decimated lineup.
Bismack Biyombo and Jock Landale will once again play more minutes if the No. 1 pick of the 2018 NBA Draft is unavailable.
