Nikola Jokić reportedly in 'rampup' for Nuggets return from knee injury, to be reevaluated in 'about a week' Jason Owens January 27, 2026 at 10:34 PM 0 Denver Nuggets AllStar Nikola Jokić is reportedly ramping up for his return from a knee injury that's sidelined him for 14 games. That's according to ESPN's Shams Charania, who reported Tuesday that the Nuggets intend to reevaluate Jokić's injury in "about a week." The report doesn't include a precise timeline. But it sounds like the threetime MVP isn't long from his return to the court.
- - Nikola Jokić reportedly in 'ramp-up' for Nuggets return from knee injury, to be reevaluated in 'about a week'
Jason Owens January 27, 2026 at 10:34 PM
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Denver Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokić is reportedly ramping up for his return from a knee injury that's sidelined him for 14 games.
That's according to ESPN's Shams Charania, who reported Tuesday that the Nuggets intend to reevaluate Jokić's injury in "about a week." The report doesn't include a precise timeline. But it sounds like the three-time MVP isn't long from his return to the court.
Jokić hasn't played since hyperextending his left knee on Dec. 29 against the Miami Heat. He was initially given a four-week timetable to be reevaluated.
Nikola Jokić hasn't played since hyperextending his left knee on Dec. 29 against the Miami Heat (David Berding via Getty Images)All-NBA, MVP at risk for Jokić
Per Charania, the Nuggets won't rush Jokić back. They're prioritizing his long-term health and availability for the postseason over Jokić's eligibility for end-of-season honors such as MVP and All-NBA. Per a rule instituted in the 2023-24 season, players must play a minimum of 65 games to be eligible for end-of-season awards. If Jokić misses four more games, he won't be eligible.
The Nuggets have thrived despite the injuries to Jokić and most of the rest of their starting lineup. Fellow starters Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson have all faced extended absences this season. Jokić's backup Jonas Valančiūnas missed 11 straight games with a calf strain sustained a game after Jokić sustained his injury.
The Nuggets have gone 8-4 in Jokić's absence and enter Tuesday at 31-15, good for a second-place tie with the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference.
Role players such as Peyton Watson and Tim Hardaway Jr. have stepped up amid the injuries, while Jamal Murray is making a case for his first All-Star selection as the team's unquestioned court leader in Jokić's absence with averages of 26 points, 7.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 44.8% from 3 this season.
Despite the team success, the sooner Jokić can return the better, obviously. But Denver's ability to remain competitive amid the injuries under first-year head coach David Adelman has reduced any pressure to rush Jokić back. The priority in Denver is to have Jokić, Gordon, Braun and Johnson back healthy for the postseason and a chance to unseat the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Source: "AOL Sports"
Source: Sports
Published: January 28, 2026 at 01:27AM on Source: RED MAG
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