Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight vs. Clippers? Nuggets MVP's availability explored after illness-forced absence against Celtics (Jan. 8)

The Denver Nuggets will face their Western Conference rivals LA Clippers in a crucial regular-season matchup on Wednesday. However, Nikola Jokic was ruled out of the game as he continues to deal with an illness. The Serbian superstar was a late scratch from the Nuggets’ game against the defending champion Boston Celtics on Tuesday and missed his second consecutive game.

Jokic was ruled out shortly before the marquee matchup due to a non-COVID illness. In his absence, the Nuggets struggled and fell to a 118-106 defeat against Jayson Tatum and the Celtics at home.

As Denver geared up to host the Clippers in the second game of a back-to-back, all eyes were on whether Jokic would recover in time to play. However, it was announced that the three-time MVP will sit out Wednesday’s game as well.

Resting Jokic also gives him additional time to recover as Denver’s next game isn’t until Friday, providing a three-day window for the Serbian center to return to full fitness.

An official update on Jokic’s status came ahead of tip off on Wednesday. Ahead of the game against the Celtics, coach Mike Malone provided an update, revealing that Jokic fell ill on Monday and his condition worsened on Tuesday, leading to his absence.

"He wasn’t feeling great yesterday, and that has only gotten worse today, which is unfortunate," Malone said.

Denver's matchup against the Clippers will serve as the season-series decider. The Nuggets and Clippers have faced off twice this season, with each team securing one victory.

Nikola Jokic has been in outstanding form this season, missing only four of Denver's 35 games. The 6-foot-11 center was unstoppable last week, averaging an impressive 36.5 points, 16.5 rebounds and 11.3 assists per game. His exceptional performances earned him the title of Western Conference Player of the Week.

Where to watch Denver Nuggets vs. LA Clippers?

The Denver Nuggets vs. LA Clippers game is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. The game will tip off at 9 p.m. EST (6 p.m. PT).

The Nuggets vs. Clippers game will be broadcast live on ALT (local) and FanDuel Sports Network (local). The live streaming of the game will be available on the NBA League Pass and Fubo TV app and website (regional restrictions maybe applicable).