The Nuggets’ start to the season has been complete with highs and lows. It’s no coincidence that most of the highs have come with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic in the lineup and the lows have come in his absence.
After appearing in the first 10 games of the season, Jokic missed Denver’s recent three-game road trip for personal reasons. The franchise did not disclose the nature of his absence, though Nuggets head coach Michael Malone did share that Jokic remained in Denver. Nuggets reporter Katy Winge posted that “[Jokic] and his family are fine and there is nothing to be alarmed about!” on X (formerly Twitter).
As the Nuggets return home to face the Mavericks for a crucial NBA Cup game, will Jokic be in the lineup? Here is the latest on his status for Friday’s game.
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Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight?
The Nuggets have listed Jokic as questionable for Friday’s game against the Mavericks.
Jokic did not practice with the team Thursday, according to Winge.
“No idea about Friday,” Malone said about Jokic earlier in the week. “There’s no news out of Denver, so we’ll revisit that when we get home. Kind of see where everything’s going with his family.”
While the nature of Jokic’s absences was largely tied to his staying in Denver, the team’s return home does not guarantee he will play Friday. After facing the Mavericks, the Nuggets travel to Los Angeles to play the Lakers on the second end of a back-to-back.
Nuggets schedule 2024-25
Here are the next five games on Denver’s schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Nov. 22 | vs. Mavericks (NBA Cup) | 10 p.m. | ESPN |
| Nov. 23 | at Lakers | 10:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Nov. 25 | vs. Knicks | 9 p.m. | — |
| Nov. 27 | at Jazz | 9 p.m. | — |
| Dec. 1 | at Clippers | 10 p.m. | — |