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Denver Nuggets talisman Nikola Jokic is expected to miss at least four weeks after sustaining a knee injury during his side’s loss to the Miami Heat, the NBA franchise confirmed on Tuesday.
The three-time Most Valuable Player was forced off late in the second quarter of Monday’s game after colliding with teammate Spencer Jones.
Jokic crumpled to the floor clutching his left knee and was unable to continue, with Nuggets head coach David Adelman later describing the moment as “gut-wrenching”.
Slow-motion replays heightened fears of serious ligament damage as Jokic’s knee appeared to buckle awkwardly when Jones inadvertently stepped on his foot while defending. However, subsequent medical assessments revealed that the Serbian centre avoided major damage.
In a brief statement, the Nuggets said Jokic had suffered a hyperextension of his left knee and would be reassessed in approximately four weeks.
The 30-year-old’s absence compounds Denver’s injury problems, with key starters Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun already sidelined.
Jokic’s setback adds to growing concern around injuries across the NBA this season.
High-profile stars, including San Antonio rookie Victor Wembanyama and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, have both missed extended periods through injury.
Monday also brought further bad news elsewhere in the league, with the Chicago Bulls losing both Coby White and Josh Giddey during their defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
White was forced off in the opening quarter with a calf issue, while Giddey exited in the second half after suffering a hamstring problem.
The rising number of injuries has renewed debate over the physical demands of the NBA’s 82-game regular season. While some players and coaches believe the packed schedule is contributing to the issue, league commissioner Adam Silver said earlier this month that there is no statistical evidence linking the calendar to the current injury rate.
