Jokić Set for Nuggets Return as MVP Race Hangs in the Balance
DENVER, 31 January 2026 – Denver Nuggets centre Nikola Jokić is poised to make his long-awaited return to the court tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers, sources have confirmed. The three-time NBA Most Valuable Player has been sidelined since 29 December with a knee injury, missing 16 games during a crucial stretch of the season.
Injury Comeback After Extended Absence
Jokić’s status has been a dominant storyline for the Nuggets over the past month. Listed as questionable ahead of the clash with the Clippers at Ball Arena, multiple reports now indicate the Serbian superstar will suit up. Team sources have advised that, while he will start, his minutes are likely to be monitored in his first game back. His last appearance was over a month ago, a period in which the Nuggets posted a mixed record, including a narrow 109-107 loss to the Detroit Pistons on 27 January.
Nuggets’ Struggle and Stellar Season Stats
Denver has felt Jokić’s absence acutely. The team has relied heavily on guard Jamal Murray, who averaged 26 points per game in the lead role during this period. Earlier in the week, a short-handed Nuggets squad also edged past the Milwaukee Bucks on 24 January despite being without Jokić and several other key players. Jokić’s individual campaign, however, has been spectacular. Prior to his injury, he was averaging a near triple-double with 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11 assists per game, matching a career-high in scoring.
Key Facts: Jokić’s Return & Season
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Return Date | 31 January 2026 vs. LA Clippers |
| Time Injured | Out since 29 December (16 games missed) |
| 2025-26 Season Averages | 29.6 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 11.0 APG |
| Team Record Without Jokić | Mixed results, including loss to Pistons (27 Jan) |
| Current MVP Ladder | Ranked behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander & Luka Dončić |
MVP Candidacy Under Scrutiny
Jokić’s extended absence has thrown his quest for a fourth MVP award into doubt. The latest Kia MVP Ladder, updated on 30 January, now places Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dallas’s Luka Dončić ahead of him. Analysts question whether the missed games will prove too significant a hurdle, despite his historic statistical output. Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki recently remarked that Jokić is “arguably the best player in the world,” highlighting the unique challenge his injury poses to his legacy and award chances this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nikola Jokić playing tonight for the Nuggets?
Yes. Multiple sources, including the team and NBA reporters, confirm Jokić is set to return to the lineup for the Denver Nuggets’ game against the Los Angeles Clippers on the evening of 31 January 2026.
How long was Nikola Jokić out with his knee injury?
Jokić suffered a left knee bone bruise in late December and has been sidelined for over a month, missing 16 consecutive games for the Nuggets.
Can Nikola Jokić still win the NBA MVP this season?
While still eligible, his extended absence has impacted his standing. He has fallen behind other contenders in the race, and his case will heavily depend on a dominant performance for the remainder of the regular season following his return.