The Denver Nuggets have announced Nikola Jokic’s official status against the Oklahoma City Thunder
Feb 20, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Many fans have been looking forward to the matchup between the NBA’s top two MVP candidates, Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and they are being treated to two consecutive nights of it.
The Thunder took down the Nuggets on Sunday behind a 40-point effort from MVP favorite Gilgeous-Alexander, but Jokic did all he could for Denver with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists in a losing effort.
Jokic was initially listed as questionable for Monday’s rematch due to a right elbow contusion and left ankle impingement, but the Nuggets star is officially ready for another meeting with the league’s best.
Mar 9, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) moves the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) defends during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images / Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Nuggets have upgraded Jokic to be available for Monday’s game in Oklahoma City. Many feared that Jokic would miss the highly-anticipated MVP rematch with Gilgeous-Alexander, but even two injured elbows and a hurt ankle could not keep him off the court for this one.
Jokic is averaging 28.8 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.5 assists per game this season with 57.4/43.0/80.9 shooting splits. While Gilgeous-Alexander seems to be running away with the MVP award, Jokic’s historic season is certainly making a case for him.
The Nuggets are much better with Jokic on the court, so having him available for Monday’s game in Oklahoma City will give them a chance to pull off the upset after losing by 24 on Sunday.
The Nuggets and Thunder face off at 8 p.m. EST in Oklahoma City on NBA TV.