Why is Nikola Jokic not playing tonight? Latest on Nuggets star's availability (Mar. 17)

The Denver Nuggets designated a questionable status on reigning MVP Nikola Jokic ahead of Monday’s marquee matchup against the Golden State Warriors. Per the injury report submitted by Denver, The Joker is dealing with right elbow contusion and left ankle impingement. Hours before tip-off, Nuggets coach Mike Malone gave an update about his superstar big man.

Anthony Slater reported about Jokic’s status before game time:

“Mike Malone said he doesn’t think Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray will be able to play tonight vs Warriors. Said it’ll be confirmed soon. Would put a damper on spotlight matchup.”

The Nuggets played four games in six days, including a back-to-back set on Friday and Saturday. Jokic, a fixture in the injury report in March, finally gets a breather. The Joker averages 39.9 minutes per game this month, roughly a five-minute jump from his usual 34.8 MPG in January and February.

Absences by key players suffering from injuries like Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray have forced Malone to play Nikola Jokic more. The All-Star center continues to impress, averaging 29.3 points, 13.6 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game this month. Despite the mind-boggling numbers, the Nuggets are 4-4 during that stretch.

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The Denver Nuggets need Nikola Jokic in the fiercely contested Western Conference playoff jostling

Heading into the matchup against the Golden State Warriors, the Denver Nuggets hold a 43-25 record for the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference. The surging Dubs, at No. 6 with a 39-28 mark, are only 3.5 games behind Nikola Jokic and Co.

Denver, the Houston Rockets and the Memphis Grizzlies all have the same win-loss slate. The fifth-placed LA Lakers (41-25) are one game behind the trio. With less than a month left in the regular season, every win and loss will be crucial.

The Nuggets hold a 1-0 series edge against the Warriors, who could tie the head-to-head series with a win on Monday. After taking on the Dubs, Jokic's team faces the LA Lakers next. Denver can win the season series against LA (3-1) if they win on Wednesday.

Because of the tightly contested battle for playoff positioning, the Nuggets desperately need the three-time MVP to play.