The Denver Nuggets got some concerning news on Monday afternoon: star center Nikola Jokic is dealing with a back injury. The Nuggets are on the wrong end of a back-to-back and will play their third game in four days, so it’s a tough spot for the Joker rest-wise. Let’s dive into the most recent Nikola Jokic injury update to discuss his odds of playing. If you’re hungry for more action, check out our NBA player prop bets, our NBA betting tools or our NBA betting promos!
EDITOR’S NOTE (11/27/23 at 5:40 p.m. ET): Nikola Jokic has been ruled out.
Nikola Jokic Injury Update: Is Denver’s Star Playing Tonight?
Nikola Jokic Injury Update
The Nuggets have officially listed star center Nikola Jokic as questionable with back pain. The news dropped late on Monday afternoon, which is when Denver’s injury report was due for their game against the Los Angeles Clippers tonight. Jokic played 34 minutes against the San Antonio Spurs last night after playing 42 against the Houston Rockets on Friday.
Jokic has seen the floor a ton this season — he is yet to miss a game, and that’s despite the absence of teammate Jamal Murray for a considerable chunk of the season. It sounds like Murray should be back soon, but Jokic may end up getting a night off before his return.
Is Nikola Jokic Playing for Denver Tonight?
So is Nikola Jokic playing for the Nuggets tonight? I don’t think he will. The Nuggets were trading as 5.5-point underdogs at BetMGM before the news dropped, but now they’re all the way down to 7.5. The Clippers are good, and they are the home team, but that number almost certainly hinges on Jokic missing this one.
Jokic’s point total sits at 30.5 across the major sportsbooks, including BetMGM. Bets on his under will void if he doesn’t suit up, but sprinkling a bit on it in hopes of him suiting up and getting pulled early could prove sharp. Jokic is averaging only 28.8 points per game, but we can buy the under 30.5 for only -105 at BetMGM. Make sure to check out our BetMGM bonus code for free OddsShopper Premium and your first bet paid back as a bonus bet up to $1,500!
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