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DALLAS, TEXAS – DECEMBER 23: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball as Jaden Hardy #1 of the Dallas Mavericks defends during the first half at American Airlines Center on December 23, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
The Denver Nuggets are one of the best teams in the NBA because of Nikola Jokic. He is the front-runner for the MVP because his scoring, rebounding, and passing are better than anyone else’s. He controls the entire tempo of the game when he is on the floor.
With him, the Nuggets have been able to compile the best offense in the league. His very presence on the floor opens things up for all of the other players on the floor. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury against the Miami Heat that looked like it was significant.
After David Adelman gave a somber update in his postgame press conference, Denver is breathing a sigh of relief after all of the imaging of his knee is finished.
GettyDenver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic looks to pass the ball. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Nuggets Reveal Nikola Jokic Injury
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Jokic has avoided serious injury. He has suffered a hyperextended left knee that will sideline him for around four weeks. Instead of him suffering a season-ending injury, he will miss the first portion of 2026.
This is fantastic news for the Nuggets, for how bad the injury looked. There was a sense that the team was bracing for a season-ending injury, which would have thrown Denver’s title chances out the window. Instead, they just have to get through a month without him.
The Nuggets are already without Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon in the starting lineup. Not having Jokic in there either makes things much tougher for them over the next few weeks. Right now, the team sits third in the Western Conference standings.
Without Jokic in the lineup, the Nuggets will likely slide a few spots in the standings. It will be up to Jamal Murray to keep the team afloat until they get some of their guys back in the lineup. He will now be carrying most of the offensive load.
GettyDenver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray drives the ball. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
The Nuggets Might Make a Trade to Help With Jokic’s Absence
Without Jokic, the Nuggets have no depth at the center spot. Jonas Valanciunas will move into the starting role, but they don’t have anyone behind him that they trust. There’s a shot that Denver canvases the trade market for a backup center until Jokic returns.
Keeping the rest of the team healthy while Jokic is out is paramount to Denver’s title chances. That’s why making a trade might make some sense for the Nuggets. Bringing someone in to help them not completely fall out of the playoff picture would be smart.
Of course, the Nuggets don’t have a ton of assets to pair in a trade. Giving up some future draft capital might be necessary to bring in a quality player to help out the center depth. Getting Gordon and Braun back as soon as possible is even more important now.
This injury will force Jokic to miss close to the most games he’s ever missed in a single season. That’s how tough and durable he has been for this team.
Ryan Stano Ryan Stano covers the NBA for Heavy.com. He has been covering sports since 2017, covering the NFL, College Football, College Basketball, and the NBA. His work has been featured on Yahoo, Bleacher Report, FanSided, and Sports Illustrated. More about Ryan Stano
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