Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight against the LA Lakers? Latest injury update from the Denver Nuggets (Oct. 24, 2023)

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are set to tip off the 2023-24 NBA season with a game against the LA Lakers on Tuesday (Oct. 24). After taking it easy in the preseason, Jokic appears ready to go, as the two-time MVP is not listed on the Nuggets' injury report.

Outside of Jokic, Denver and LA both project to be near full strength.

For the Nuggets, rookie wing Julian Strawther (ankle) and big man Jay Huff (ribs) are listed as questionable. Meanwhile, forward Vlatko Cancar (knee) remains out indefinitely.

As for the Lakers, rookie guard Jalen Hood-Schifino (knee) and forward Jarred Vanderbilt (heel) are listed as out.

Tuesday’s game will have added significance for the Nuggets as it will mark the franchise’s first-ever ring night following their 2023 NBA title. However, the Lakers will also have extra motivation. They will be seeking redemption following their 4-0 loss to Denver in the 2023 Western Conference finals.

Last season, the Nuggets and the Lakers split their regular-season series 2-2.

Tuesday’s matchup will take place at the Ball Arena in Denver. It will start at 7:30 p.m. EST and will be aired live on TNT.

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How did Nikola Jokic fare in the preseason?

Denver Nuggets superstar center Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic only played in four of the Denver Nuggets’ five preseason games and his playing time was limited. However, the reigning Finals MVP still stuffed the stat sheet.

Jokic averaged 16.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.5 blocks and 1.3 3-pointers on 60.0% shooting in just 21.9 minutes per game.

Given his strong all-around production, Jokic looks poised to pick up where he left off last season as arguably the NBA’s best player. The superstar big man will now look to help the Nuggets defend their 2023 title.

Jokic averaged 24.5 ppg, 11.8 rpg, 9.8 apg, 1.3 spg, 0.7 bpg and 0.8 3pg on 63.2% shooting over 69 games last season.

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