Nikola Jokic's Injury Status Clouds Nuggets' Season Finale

Denver's star center must play at least 20 minutes against the Spurs to meet MVP and All-NBA eligibility requirements.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:51am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured basketball game, with sharp planes of color representing the players and court in an abstract, deconstructed style.Jokic's potential absence from the Nuggets' season finale raises questions about the NBA's eligibility rules and their impact on individual awards.Denver Today

Denver Nuggets three-time MVP center Nikola Jokic has appeared in just 64 games this season and needs to play Sunday against the San Antonio Spurs to meet the league's 65-game eligibility rule for individual awards. Jokic is listed as questionable for the finale, while seven other Nuggets players have already been ruled out.

Why it matters

Jokic's potential absence would cast a shadow over what has otherwise been a historic season in which he became the first player since the 1970s to average a triple-double for two consecutive seasons. Several other NBA stars have also fallen short of eligibility for individual awards this year due to missed games.

The details

Jokic sat out Friday's win over the Oklahoma City Thunder due to injury management, and head coach David Adelman said the team will have a final discussion with the star center regarding his availability for Sunday's game. For Jokic to remain eligible for MVP and All-NBA honors, he must not only play against the Spurs but also log at least 20 minutes.

  • Jokic missed roughly four weeks earlier this season due to a left knee hyperextension.
  • The Nuggets' final regular-season game against the Spurs is on Sunday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Nikola Jokic

A three-time MVP center for the Denver Nuggets who is averaging a triple-double for the second consecutive season.

David Adelman

The head coach of the Denver Nuggets.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to have that conversation. He went through a lot of treatment today. Obviously, playoff success matters more than anything, but this rule is in front of us, so we have to make a proper decision.”

— David Adelman, Head Coach, Denver Nuggets

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.