Nuggets Expect Jokic to Play vs. Spurs to Meet Awards Eligibility

Denver's star center is listed as questionable but expected to suit up for the season finale.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:34am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs uniforms.A cubist interpretation of the final regular season matchup between the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs, with Nikola Jokic's playing status a key factor in the game.Denver Today

The Denver Nuggets are preparing to wrap up their 2025-26 NBA regular season on Sunday against the San Antonio Spurs. According to a Nuggets insider, star center Nikola Jokic is expected to play in the game, despite being listed as questionable with a right wrist issue. Jokic needs to play at least 15 more minutes to meet the 65-game minimum requirement to be eligible for NBA awards this season.

Why it matters

Jokic is a leading MVP candidate, so ensuring he meets the games played threshold is crucial for the Nuggets. The team is still jockeying for playoff positioning, so Jokic's availability is important for their final regular season matchup.

The details

Jokic has appeared in 64 games for the Nuggets this season, the fewest of his career. He missed time earlier in the year due to a knee injury. With four of Denver's starters out for Sunday's game, the Nuggets have a legitimate reason to play Jokic to help him reach the 65-game minimum.

  • The Nuggets and Spurs are scheduled to tip off at 8:30 PM ET on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • Jokic has played in 64 games so far this season, the fewest of his career.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets' star center and leading MVP candidate, who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Spurs with a right wrist issue.

Bennett Durando

A Denver Post reporter who covers the Nuggets and reported that Jokic is expected to play in Sunday's game to meet the 65-game minimum requirement for NBA awards eligibility.

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What they’re saying

“Four of Denver's starters are out tomorrow. The lone exception is Nikola Jokic, who's listed as questionable. As I wrote last night, he's expected to play the 15+ minutes required to meet the 65-game awards threshold, per sources.”

— Bennett Durando, Nuggets Insider

What’s next

The Nuggets will wait to see if Jokic's right wrist issue improves enough for him to play in Sunday's season finale against the Spurs.

The takeaway

Jokic's availability for the Nuggets' final regular season game is crucial, as he needs to play at least 15 more minutes to meet the 65-game minimum requirement to be eligible for NBA awards this season. Despite his questionable status, the team expects him to suit up and play against the Spurs.