Nuggets' Nikola Jokic Returns to Lineup Against Clippers

NBA MVP makes first appearance since knee injury on Dec. 29

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:15pm

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Denver Nuggets star center Nikola Jokic returned to the starting lineup on Friday night, playing in his first game since suffering a knee injury on December 29. Jokic had 31 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals in 25 minutes of action as the Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 122-109.

Why it matters

Jokic's return is a major boost for the Nuggets, who have gone 10-6 in his absence. As the three-time NBA MVP, Jokic's presence is crucial for the Nuggets' success and his return helps keep him eligible for individual awards this season.

The details

Jokic was on a minutes restriction as he eases back from the knee injury, playing just 25 minutes despite making 8 of 11 shots and 13 of 17 free throws. Coach David Adelman said Jokic would have played at most 3 more minutes even without the 3 early fouls that limited his first-half playing time.

  • Jokic suffered the knee injury on December 29 against the Miami Heat.
  • Jokic missed 16 games since the injury.
  • Jokic returned to the starting lineup on January 31, 2026.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The three-time NBA MVP for the Denver Nuggets, who returned to the lineup on Friday after missing over a month with a knee injury.

David Adelman

The head coach of the Denver Nuggets, who said the team wants to ease Jokic back carefully after the injury.

Jamal Murray

The Nuggets guard, who said it feels different when Jokic is on the court and that he wanted Murray to stay aggressive.

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What they’re saying

“I was not scared to use it. I was not thinking about it while I was running and while I was playing. I think that's a good sign I'm ready.”

— Nikola Jokic (AP)

“He's just a constant in every category, every stat. He was going at his own pace. He wanted me to keep playing my game and stay aggressive, but it's a different feel when he's out there.”

— Jamal Murray, Nuggets guard (AP)

“It's great to have (Jokic) back, but let's temper a little bit. The guy's been hurt. He's been out. Having the best player, in my opinion, alive is a major, major thing to get back. I just want to make sure we temper the idea of what it could be like. He's got to get out there and feel comfortable again. We all know what it is when he is comfortable. It's something we've never seen.”

— David Adelman, Nuggets head coach (AP)

What’s next

The Nuggets will continue to monitor Jokic's minutes and recovery as he works his way back to full strength. The team will hope to have him at 100% for the stretch run and playoffs.

The takeaway

Jokic's return is a major boost for the Nuggets, who have managed well in his absence but are a different team with the three-time MVP on the floor. His ability to impact the game in so many ways makes him one of the most valuable players in the NBA.