Is Nikola Jokic playing against Luka Doncic-less Mavericks? Latest on Nuggets MVP candidate's status (Jan. 12)

Nikola Jokic is expected to play for the Denver Nuggets in their regular season matchup against the injury-plagued Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. Jokic is listed as "probable" on Denver's injury report after battling an illness over the past few days.

The three-time MVP missed two consecutive games earlier this week but returned to action in the Nuggets' commanding 124-105 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. Despite not being at full strength, Jokic delivered a masterful performance, recording yet another triple-double.

The Nuggets' star center posted an impressive stat line of 35 points, 12 rebounds, 15 assists and four steals while shooting 14 of 21 from the field, including 1 of 1 from beyond the arc.

Following the win, Jokic reflected on his recent illness and the challenges it posed, which led to his absence in back-to-back games earlier in the week.

"Pretty good. Much better than the last couple of days," Jokic said. "I'm getting better every day. It's slow, but it's getting better every day. ... I felt a little bit more tired (tonight). Second half was much better than the first half. First half, I almost died.

"They (medical staff) gave me a lot of liquid packages ... It was everything: head, nose, my chest, my throat. My body felt weak, so it was really weird."

Although Nikola Jokic is expected to play in the Nuggets vs. Mavericks game, Dallas will be without their superstar Luka Doncic, who remains sidelined with a left calf strain.

Where to watch Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks game?

The Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks game is scheduled to take place on Sunday, Jan. 11, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The game will tip off at 3 p.m. EST (12 p.m. PT).

The Nuggets vs. Mavericks game will be broadcast live on ALT (local) and KFAA (local) while the live streaming will be available on the NBA League Pass and Fubo TV app and website (regional restrictions may apply).