Will Nikola Jokic Finish the Season Eligible for Awards? Injury Update Before Finale
Injury update and what’s at stake
Nikola Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP, has appeared in 64 games this season and now faces a simple but crucial requirement: he needs to play against the San Antonio Spurs and log at least 20 minutes to reach the 65-game threshold for award eligibility.
The Nuggets have listed him as questionable for the matchup, and the team is dealing with a lengthy injury list that includes Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, Tim Hardaway Jr., Cameron Johnson, Spencer Jones and Peyton Watson.
Jokic missed the recent win over Oklahoma City and had already been sidelined for about four weeks earlier in the year with a knee issue, which is why this final regular-season game has taken on added importance.
Decisions, implications and the bigger picture
The coaching staff said they will discuss availability with Jokic after he underwent treatment, noting that playoff health is the top priority but that the rules around award eligibility must also be considered. The team is weighing whether to give him the minutes needed or to sit him and focus on the postseason.
If Jokic doesn’t get into the Spurs game and reach 65 appearances, it would be an unfortunate coda to another impressive season. He’s averaging a triple-double for the second straight year, roughly 27.8 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.9 assists per game.
Several other players have already fallen out of award contention this season despite big numbers, and there are also special eligibility discussions around players like Luka Dončić, who has pursued a challenge to count two missed December games tied to the birth of his daughter.
Whatever the decision, the final regular-season game will make it clear whether Jokic secures the appearances needed to remain in the running for MVP and All-NBA honors or finishes the regular season short of the mark.
