Nikola Jokic expected to return soon despite wrist injury / News - Basketnews.com

A wrist injury has been bothering Nikola Jokic for almost three months now. But the two-time NBA MVP will probably return to action soon for the Denver Nuggets.

Credit: AP - Scanpix Credit AP - Scanpix

With 11 triple-doubles this season, Nikola Jokic has surpassed Luka Doncic by two for the NBA lead. The Joker ranks third among active players and sixth all-time with 87 career triple-doubles, behind only Russell Westbrook (197) and LeBron James (88).

Nikola Jokic

MIN:33.32PTS:24.89 (67.56%)REB:10.97As:9.68ST:1.42BL:0.58TO:3.42GM:38ProfileNBA2022/2023

As a result of a wrist injury, the Denver Nuggets' big man sat out Friday's matchup with the Clippers. He has been downgraded from questionable to out. Jokic will have another opportunity to play this coming Sunday against the Magic.

While his MRI in the past revealed "nothing sinister," it is still a concerning issue.

Jokic actually sustained the injury back in October during a preseason game, and head coach Michael Malone admitted that his superstar had been troubled by it ever since then.

"It's been bothering him for a while," Malone said before noting that they decided to let him rest and let the discomfort calm down, per Mike Singer of the Denver Post.

Jokic could return as soon as Sunday's showdown with the Orlando Magic, but there's also a chance that he sits out once again in the Nuggets’ bid to have him fully healthy first.

The Serbian big man is averaging 24.9 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 9.7 assists, but hopes are high that he won't need to sit out an extended period moving forward.

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