The Denver Nuggets are looking to bounce back after a disappointing second-round exit in last year’s NBA playoffs. They’ve started the season strong with a 7-4 record, thanks in part to a recent five-game winning streak that helped them recover from an initial 0-2 start.
The team aims to rebound from a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday as they prepare to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday afternoon. However, they will have to do so without their star player, as Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto reported that three-time MVP Nikola Jokic will be unavailable for the game due to personal reasons.
Jokic is having an incredible start to the season, averaging 29.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 11.7 assists, making it difficult for MVP voters to overlook him for a fourth award despite potential voter fatigue.
He missed Friday’s game, which likely played a role in the Pelicans snapping Denver’s five-game winning streak. Meanwhile, Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun have shown improvement this season, while Jamal Murray continues to struggle, carrying over issues from last postseason and the Olympics.
Although it’s unclear what personal matters Jokic is facing, it has been confirmed that he and his family are doing well, and he is expected to return soon.
The Western Conference remains highly competitive, and the Nuggets are still dealing with a championship hangover from two years ago. Winning titles often leads to role players getting paid by other teams, making it challenging to recover that depth. However, having a player of Jokic’s caliber, who could win a fourth MVP, certainly helps.
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