Jokic’s Ankle Injury Raises Stakes for Nuggets vs Spurs

DENVER, Colo. — Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is listed as questionable for Wednesday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs due to a left ankle impingement. This decision comes on the heels of Jokic’s record-breaking performance in a double-overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he scored 61 points and secured a triple-double in a career-high 53 minutes.

Jokic’s 61-point triple-double, which included 10 rebounds and 10 assists, set the NBA record for most points scored in a triple-double. Despite the loss, his performance solidifies his standing in the MVP race, as he continues to average nearly 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists per game this season.

The timing of Jokic’s injury raises significant concerns, especially as the Nuggets are competing tightly for playoff positioning against the Los Angeles Lakers, sitting just half a game ahead of them. The Nuggets will be playing on back-to-back nights, making the decision to rest Jokic against a struggling Spurs squad particularly critical.

With several key players, including Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox, already sidelined, the Spurs arrive in Denver on a five-game losing streak and struggling with depth issues. Keldon Johnson is also listed as questionable, heightening the stakes for both teams.

Factors influencing Jokic’s potential absence include the risk of aggravating his ankle injury, increased fatigue from back-to-back games, and the unique opportunity to rest against a depleted Spurs roster. A loss could drop the Nuggets into fourth place, complicating their playoff aspirations further.

If Jokic is unable to play, the Nuggets will rely heavily on Jamal Murray and their bench players to carry the load. Conversely, if he takes the court, fans can expect another standout performance from the reigning MVP.

The Nuggets and Spurs will meet for the third and final time this season, with the series currently tied at one game apiece. The last matchup saw the Nuggets triumph in overtime, with Jokic contributing significantly to the win. Tonight’s clash is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST at Ball Arena.