Author: Pritha
Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic missed his third consecutive game due to calf tightness. This problem first arose during the game against Milwaukee on March 25 and continued to persist, causing him to miss the game against Philadelphia on Monday as well. Coach Michael Malone said that Jokic’s absence is real and he is indeed dealing with an injured calf.
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While Jokic’s absence could be a concern for the team, Malone emphasized that it’s important to be smart about the situation. He said the worst-case scenario would be if Jokic played and his injury became much more serious, causing him to be out for a long period of time. It’s understandable that the team wants to make sure its star player is healthy and ready for the post-season.
Despite Jokic’s absence, the Denver Nuggets are still in a good position. They are currently in a game to secure home-court advantage in the Western Conference. If they manage to win in any of the final four games or if Memphis loses, they will secure first place for the first time in franchise history. However, Malone emphasized that his focus is not just on securing the top seed, but how they fare in the post-season.
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It’s clear that the Denver Nuggets are taking Jokic’s injury seriously and prioritizing his long-term health. While their absence may affect the team’s performance in the short term, it’s important to keep the bigger picture in mind. The team’s success in the playoffs will depend on its ability to perform as a unit and having a healthy Jokic will be crucial to that.