Nuggets' Jokic Avoids Playoff Predictions: 'I Don't Like to Look in the Future'

The three-time MVP center says it's too early to speculate on Denver's postseason potential.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:13pm

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Nikola Jokic is not interested in making predictions about the Denver Nuggets' playoff ceiling, saying there are too many variables that can change between now and the postseason. The three-time MVP center believes it's impossible to know how the team will perform in the playoffs, citing potential injuries, bad stretches, or hot streaks that could impact their success. Jokic prefers to take it one game at a time rather than look too far ahead.

Why it matters

Jokic's reluctance to speculate on the Nuggets' playoff prospects reflects his pragmatic approach and desire to avoid setting unrealistic expectations. As one of the league's best players, his perspective carries significant weight, and his focus on the present rather than the future could help the team stay grounded and focused as they prepare for the postseason.

The details

Despite the Nuggets' recent strong play, including a 135-129 win over the Utah Jazz on Friday, Jokic is hesitant to make any bold predictions. He pointed out that the team's regular-season performance doesn't necessarily translate to the playoffs, citing examples from the past where they lost games down the stretch but still won the championship, or vice versa. Jokic believes it's impossible to know how the team will fare in the playoffs, as factors like injuries, hot or cold streaks, and matchups can all play a significant role.

  • The Nuggets have 7 games remaining in the regular season.
  • Denver (47-28) has won 5 consecutive games, extending their longest streak in more than 3 months.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The three-time NBA MVP center for the Denver Nuggets, known for his honest and pragmatic approach to the game.

David Adelman

The head coach of the Denver Nuggets, who has emphasized the team's need to play with more purpose and defensive intensity.

Jamal Murray

The starting point guard for the Denver Nuggets, who has expressed confidence in the team's ability to succeed in the playoffs despite some recent inconsistencies.

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What they’re saying

“First of all, we still have eight, seven more games. Who knows what's gonna happen in those seven games? What seed, who we're gonna play, matchup, this and that. Then that team who we're gonna play, maybe someone's gonna get injured. Maybe something's gonna happen. Maybe they're gonna have a bad stretch. Maybe we're gonna have an extremely good stretch. I think it's really hard to say, 'Oh yeah, we're gonna have amazing playoffs,' because you cannot know what's gonna happen or how the team's gonna feel basically in (one) month.”

— Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets Center

“Obviously, we're very talented offensively. Can always make a run, get back in games. But we shouldn't have to work our way into every game. You have to come with more purpose to start the game.”

— David Adelman, Denver Nuggets Head Coach

“We know what we're capable of. … I know how great Jok is. I know how good of a shooter Tim (Hardaway Jr.) is. I know how selfless and patient (Aaron Gordon) is. I know how much of a team player and leader (Christian Braun) is. I can go down the line. But this is what we have in the locker room. There's no reason for us not to believe. So, of course, we're confident. Even if we have a bad game or a bad loss, we just find a way to pick it up and get back to what we do. And not let the outside noise affect us.”

— Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets Point Guard

What’s next

The Nuggets have 7 games remaining in the regular season, and their playoff seeding and first-round matchup are still to be determined. Jokic and the team will continue to take it one game at a time, focusing on improving their defense and overall play as they prepare for the postseason.

The takeaway

Nikola Jokic's reluctance to make bold predictions about the Nuggets' playoff potential reflects his pragmatic approach and desire to avoid setting unrealistic expectations. His focus on the present rather than the future could help the team stay grounded and focused as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season and prepare for the unpredictable nature of the playoffs.