DENVER (Azat TV) – The Denver Nuggets have confirmed that two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic will remain sidelined for his 17th consecutive game, missing Friday’s highly anticipated matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. Jokic’s continued absence stems from a hyperextended knee sustained in late December, a development that has nonetheless seen the Nuggets maintain a surprisingly strong performance record.
The Serbian center, a cornerstone of the Nuggets’ offense and defense, hyperextended his knee during a game in late December 2025. Since then, he has been on the injured list, with Friday’s game marking nearly a month and a half of missed action. His status was officially listed as “Out” for the clash with the Clippers, a critical Western Conference showdown.
Nikola Jokic’s Ongoing Absence
Jokic’s injury has forced the Nuggets to adapt significantly. The team’s coaching staff has had to reconfigure offensive strategies and defensive rotations to compensate for the loss of their primary playmaker and rebounder. Despite the gravity of losing a player of Jokic’s caliber, the Nuggets have demonstrated remarkable resilience.
Remarkably, the team has compiled a 10-6 record in the 16 games Jokic has missed. This unexpected success without their superstar has allowed Denver to maintain its standing as one of the top teams in the Western Conference, currently sitting at 32-16 and in third place. This performance contradicts previous seasons, where the Nuggets often struggled immensely when Jokic was unavailable.
Nuggets Face Clippers on Back-to-Back
The upcoming game against the Los Angeles Clippers presents another test for the short-handed Nuggets. Denver will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back, having defeated the Brooklyn Nets at home on Thursday. In addition to Jokic, the Nuggets will also be without key rotation players Aaron Gordon, who is expected to miss four-to-six weeks, and Christian Braun, who remains sidelined.
The Clippers, currently 22-24, have been one of the league’s best teams over the last month, despite their own injury woes. While Kawhi Leonard is listed as questionable, he has consistently played through similar issues, albeit with limited minutes. The Nuggets will need to leverage their depth and home-court advantage at the Denver altitude to secure a victory against a surging Clippers squad.
Implications for the Nuggets’ Season
Jokic’s prolonged absence has implications beyond individual game outcomes. His time away from the court could affect his candidacy for a potential third MVP award, as consistent availability is often a factor in voter consideration. For the Nuggets, however, the silver lining has been the emergence of other players and the team’s ability to win consistently without their undisputed leader. This period has provided valuable experience for the supporting cast, potentially strengthening the team’s overall depth and adaptability once Jokic makes his return.
The Nuggets’ sustained success without Nikola Jokic suggests a deeper, more resilient team structure than previously understood, indicating their strategic depth and ability to perform under significant pressure.