Nikola Jokic has had great health throughout his impressive career.
The Denver Nuggets center has played fewer than 70 games in a season just once since he debuted in 2015.
Currently, Jokic is facing what’s expected to be a one-month absence due to a knee hyperextension. However, fans wouldn’t believe that seeing the superstar center walking through the arena on Friday night, before the Nuggets battled the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Interesting 👀
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) January 2, 2026
pic.twitter.com/Y153RxWDuz
NBA Fans React to Nikola Jokic
@JeremyNicolls: He will be back mid January. He still getting MVP lol
@soomasreh218: Bruh he’s walking better than before the injury…
@The_ceo_guy: Great sign!
@goncalves979: Are we sure that he will be out for 4 weeks?
The Nuggets’ initial timeline for Jokic’s recovery is indeed four weeks. When that time is up, he’ll undergo an evaluation, which will help them determine an actual return target date.
If Jokic misses more than four weeks, his eligibility for awards will be affected, as his chances of reaching the 65-game minimum dwindle.
Before going down with his setback, Jokic was widely viewed as the NBA’s MVP favorite. Once again, the versatile center was dominating the league.
@rxmart2: From barely walking to walking and frowning to smiling and walking, maybe he isn’t human.
@IvanaSt1984: Walking very nice
@MichaelBur23838: This guy back in 2 weeks man
@Its_Memito: He’s coming back next week isn’t he?
In 32 games, Jokic averaged 34.6 minutes of action. While shooting 60 percent from the field and 43 percent from three, Jokic has averaged 29.6 points per game so far.
Beyond his value in the scoring department, Jokic has come down with 12.2 rebounds per game and dished out 11.0 assists per game. He leads the league in triple-doubles.
The Nuggets didn’t survive their second Jokic-less game of the season on Friday. After beating the Toronto Raptors without him on December 31, they lost against the Cleveland Cavaliers 113-108.
On Sunday, the Nuggets will meet with the Brooklyn Nets. Jokic is already ruled out.