March 21, 2025
Denver Sports Analyst
The Denver Nuggets will once again be without their franchise cornerstone, Nikola Jokić, when they take on the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. The three-time NBA MVP is set to miss his third consecutive game, raising concerns about his health as the team navigates a critical stretch of the season.
Jokić last played in Denver’s shocking 126-123 loss to the Washington Wizards on Saturday and has since been sidelined due to lingering issues with his left ankle. Despite joining the Nuggets on their current road trip, the Serbian star has not been able to return to the court. He was seen warming up before Monday’s 114-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors but ultimately did not play. He also sat out Wednesday’s 120-108 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, a defeat with significant playoff seeding implications.
The 29-year-old has been battling multiple injuries, with elbow pain compounding his ankle issues. Jokić was first seen limping noticeably during a March 3 game against the Boston Celtics, and his condition appeared to worsen after an elbow injury sustained in a two-game series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. While he has managed to play through the discomfort for much of the month, his deep-range shooting and free throw efficiency have suffered.
Despite his injuries, Jokić has continued to put up elite numbers, averaging 29.3 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game in March. He remains a top contender for this year’s MVP award, competing with Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Jokić ranks among the league’s top three players in points, rebounds, and assists while averaging a triple-double—arguably his most impressive offensive season to date.
The Nuggets are also dealing with the absence of Jamal Murray, who suffered a right ankle sprain late in the Wizards game. While he briefly returned to play that night, the injury has kept him out for the past two contests. Murray has been instrumental in Denver’s success this season, averaging a career-high 21.5 points per game. His absence, coupled with Jokić’s, has placed additional pressure on the remaining roster.
Meanwhile, Portland enters Friday’s matchup on a three-game winning streak and remains in contention for a play-in tournament spot. The Nuggets, currently engaged in a tight battle with Memphis, Houston, and the Lakers for positioning in the Western Conference standings, cannot afford to slip further in Jokić’s absence. Following the game against the Trail Blazers, Denver will face the Rockets on Sunday in another high-stakes matchup.
On a slightly positive note, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun—both of whom have missed games recently—are expected to be available. Their presence will provide some much-needed depth as the team attempts to stay afloat without their MVP.
The Nuggets are 3-5 in games without Jokić this season, reinforcing his irreplaceable role in their lineup. Any speculation that Denver was managing Jokić’s workload for rest purposes has now been dispelled, as it is clear he is dealing with a legitimate injury. With the playoffs fast approaching, the Nuggets can only hope for a swift recovery, as their championship aspirations hinge on his health.