HOUSTON (AP) – Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić is expected to return to the lineup during the team’s upcoming five-game homestand, according to head coach Michael Malone.
Jokić, who missed his fourth consecutive game on Sunday, sat out the Nuggets’ loss to the Houston Rockets due to a left ankle impingement. Malone confirmed Jokić would not play on Monday when Denver’s homestand kicks off against the Chicago Bulls.
“He’ll play at some point during the homestand,” Malone said. “We’re just trying to get home, assess his condition, and see where he’s at. He’s definitely not playing today (Sunday), and I don’t think he’ll be ready for tomorrow (Monday).”
The Nuggets’ homestand includes matchups against Milwaukee on Wednesday, Utah on Friday, and Minnesota on April 1, with the final game scheduled for April 2 against the San Antonio Spurs.
Jokić, a three-time MVP, has been a standout performer this season, averaging 29.1 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.3 assists.
Denver has struggled without him, going 1-2 in the last three games.
With just 11 games remaining in the regular season, Malone expressed his desire to have his full starting lineup back in action before the playoffs.
“It would be great to get the starting five some time together,” Malone said. “We haven’t had many chances to do that this season.”
