Nuggets officially announce Jokic will be sidelined for at least 4 weeks! MVP odds drop to third; Alexander may repeat

On December 31st Beijing time, the Nuggets officially reported that their center Jokic suffered a left knee hyperextension and will have his condition reassessed after four weeks. This implies Jokic will be out for no less than four weeks, probably costing him eligibility for awards.

Jokic injured his knee in Tuesday’s matchup against the Heat. Serbian journalist Djordje Matic reported that the big man experienced knee hyperextension symptoms but did not sustain a more serious injury. The team’s update today confirmed this information.

According to renowned reporter Shams, although this expected absence will mark the longest in Jokic’s NBA career, the Nuggets are somewhat relieved as examinations confirmed the three-time MVP’s knee ligaments remain intact.

However, the follow-up check after four weeks does not guarantee Jokic’s return at that time. Insider Shams Charania pointed out that the 30-year-old star might ultimately miss nearly six weeks of action.

During this period, the Nuggets’ roster depth will face a severe test. The team already has three starters sidelined: Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Braun (ankle), and Cameron Johnson (knee) are all on the injury list. With Jokic out, guard Jamal Murray is the only healthy player remaining from the opening night starting lineup.

Head coach David Adelman stated over the weekend that Gordon and Braun are expected to return during the team’s ongoing road trip through January 8th. Until then, Murray is likely to start alongside Watson, Spencer Jones, Tim Hadaway Jr., and Valanciunas.

The Nuggets began this season with a 22-10 record and currently hold a favorable position in the Western Conference playoff race, but their margin for error in securing a top-six guaranteed playoff spot is very slim. The sixth-seeded Timberwolves trail the Nuggets by only 1.5 games, while the seventh-seeded Suns are just three games behind.

Although Jokic and the Nuggets prioritize team performance and standings, this injury could cost the superstar center his eligibility for this season’s awards. According to league rules, a player must participate in at least 65 games to qualify for end-of-season honors, meaning Jokic can miss no more than 17 games — and from now until the end of January, the Nuggets have 18 games scheduled.

If Jokic loses eligibility for awards, his streak of seven consecutive All-NBA selections will end, as will his five-year run finishing in the top two of MVP voting. Sports prediction platform Polymarket updated the odds for this season’s MVP, placing Alexander first at 80%, Doncic second at 10%, and Jokic third at 9%. Before Jokic’s injury, his MVP chance was 47%, with Alexander at 43%.

Rockets reporter Bradeaux commented, “If Jokic misses out on All-NBA due to games played, the NBA needs to reconsider the 65-game rule as soon as possible.”

So far this season, Jokic has delivered historic performances, averaging a career-high 29.6 points per game, while leading the league with 12.2 rebounds and 11.0 assists per game. His shooting splits are an impressive 60.5% FG, 43.5% 3PT, and 85.3% FT. When he’s on the court, the Nuggets outscore opponents by 12.3 points per 100 possessions; when he’s off, they are outscored by 6.3 points per 100 possessions.