Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight against the Lakers? Latest injury update on Nuggets' star ahead of matchup (22nd May 2023)

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are one game away from the NBA Finals as they face LA Lakers tonight in Game 4. The Nuggets have been well ahead of the Lakers in this series that the franchise's first trip to the NBA Finals is finally within reach.

Nikola Jokic is available to suit up in a closeout Game 4 clash, with the big man prepared and eager to complete the series sweep.

During this series, Jokic is averaging 27.0 points, 14.7 rebounds, and 11.3 assists. The Nuggets' star has looked like his dominant-MVP self as he has carved the Lakers' defense with ease, shooting 52.6%, including 45.5% from 3-point range.

Nikola started slow in his previous outing when he started with 5 points on 2-of-8 shooting, including 1-of-2 from 3-point range in the first half. Jokic later finished the game with 24 points (9-of-19 shooting, including 2-of-5 from 3-point range), 8 assists, and 6 rebounds.

Aside from Jokic's composure and ability to stay in the game by contributing in other areas to win, his teammates also stepped up.

Jamal Murray was phenomenal as he got the Nuggets going right from the jump. Murray finished the ball game with 37 points (15-of-29 shooting, including 5-of-11 from 3-point range), 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. When Jokic needed his fellow star to take over during his rough start, the Nuggets' point guard delivered.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's 17 points, Bruce Brown's 15 points, and Michael Porter Jr.'s 14 points were all timely contributions that propelled Denver to a 3-0 lead.

Nuggets' Nikola Jokic on closing out LeBron James and the LA Lakers

Following the win, Nikola Jokic spoke to the media about the challenge of closing a playoff series against LeBron James.

“To be honest, I’m not going say that I’m scared," Jokic said, "but I’m worried because they have LeBron on the other side, and he’s capable of doing everything.”

LeBron has had a good series so far against the Nuggets, even with the lackluster contributions from the role players. James has averaged 23.7 ppg (48.1% shooting), 10.3 apg and 9.3 rpg.

To win this series, the Nuggets must once again put in a team effort on both ends of the court.

The Nuggets held the Lakers to 45.2% shooting in Game 3, including 31.3% from 3-point range.

Meanwhile, the Nuggets shoot the ball brilliantly, shooting 50.0% for the game, including 41.5% from 3-point range.