Is Nikola Jokic Playing Tonight Injury Update: Will Nuggets Star Suit Up vs Hawks

Nikola Jokic is expected to play tonight as the Denver Nuggets face the Atlanta Hawks on December 5 in Atlanta. Denver released its final injury report listing Jokic and Jamal Murray as available for the matchup. The Hawks, meanwhile, may be without multiple starters, including Jalen Johnson and Kristaps Porzingis.

This game carries weight for both teams as Denver looks to extend its 15-6 start, while Atlanta attempts to rebound from a home loss. The final injury report shapes the rotation and determines which stars will take the court in this interconference matchup.

Nikola Jokic Injury Update and Nuggets Final Status Report

The Nuggets confirmed that Nikola Jokic, who has been managing a sprained wrist, is not on the injury report for tonight’s game. Jokic played through the issue earlier in the week and continues to produce at an MVP-caliber level, including 24 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists in Wednesday’s win over the Indiana Pacers.

Jamal Murray is also cleared after scoring 52 points in the previous outing while battling a right ankle sprain. Denver will again rely on its star backcourt-frontcourt pairing to drive the offense on the road.

However, Denver will not be at full strength. Aaron Gordon remains out with a heel injury. Christian Braun and Julian Strawther also remain sidelined as they continue recovery from their respective issues. Rookie Spencer Jones is listed as questionable with a right knee contusion and will be a game-time decision.

The combination of Jokic and Murray being available should stabilize Denver’s rotation despite the missing depth pieces. The Nuggets continue to lean heavily on their starting unit, especially in Gordon’s absence, which may increase minutes for Peyton Watson, Justin Holiday, and other bench contributors.

Hawks Face Uncertainty With Jalen Johnson and Kristaps Porzingis

The Hawks listed forward Jalen Johnson as questionable due to right calf tightness. Johnson missed Wednesday’s loss to the Clippers and has been a key two-way contributor this season. If he remains out, the Hawks may again start Mouhamed Gueye and expand roles for Zaccharie Risacher and Vit Krejci.

Kristaps Porzingis is also questionable as he works through return-to-play conditioning after missing four games with illness. Atlanta has lacked interior size and scoring in his absence. If he cannot play, Onyeka Okongwu is expected to continue starting at center.

Trae Young and Jacob Toppin have both been ruled out as they recover from their respective injuries. Without Young, Atlanta turns to Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels to handle playmaking duties, increasing pressure on the backcourt against Denver’s potent offense.

Tonight’s matchup now hinges on whether Johnson and Porzingis can return. With Jokic and Murray available, Denver enters the game with a more stable core, while Atlanta faces rotational uncertainty and reduced star power.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight?

Yes. Jokic is not listed on the Nuggets’ final injury report and is expected to play against the Hawks.

Q2: What injury has Nikola Jokic been managing?

Jokic has been dealing with a sprained wrist but continues to play through it without restrictions.

Q3: Will Jalen Johnson play tonight?

Johnson is listed as questionable with right calf tightness. His status will be determined closer to tipoff.

Q4: Is Kristaps Porzingis returning tonight?

Porzingis is questionable as he works through return-to-play conditioning following illness.

Q5: Which Nuggets players are ruled out?

Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Julian Strawther remain out with ongoing injuries.