Nikola Jokic is set to make his return on Friday from the bone bruise in his left knee when the Denver Nuggets face the Los Angeles Clippers.
He has been sidelined since December 29, when he suffered a hyperextension in that same knee.
With his comeback, Jokic remains on track to qualify for major regular-season honors such as MVP and All-NBA, provided he reaches the league’s 65-game minimum.
He has placed either first or second in MVP voting every year since 2021, keeping him firmly in the award conversation once again.
Jokic is also expected to suit up for Sunday’s matchup between Denver and the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he will go head-to-head with fellow MVP contender Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
During Jokic’s absence, the Nuggets went 10–6, a stronger result than many analysts anticipated.
Denver currently holds a 32–16 record overall and sits third in the Western Conference standings, trailing only the Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs.
Nikola Jokic Returning From Knee Injury On Friday https://t.co/yXODcprW4f
— RealGM (@RealGM) January 30, 2026
