The Denver Nuggets might see the return of their superstar, but the Dallas Mavericks will be without theirs when the teams face off on Friday in Denver.
Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP, missed the Nuggets’ recent three-game road trip due to personal reasons. He is listed as questionable for Friday’s game. In contrast, the Mavericks will be without Luka Doncic, who suffered a right wrist injury on Tuesday night and is expected to miss at least a week.
This is a significant blow for Dallas heading into what is essentially an elimination game in the NBA Cup group stage. Both the Mavericks and the Nuggets have one loss each in the West Group C standings, and the loser on Friday night will not advance to the knockout round.
Doncic, who has also been dealing with a troublesome knee this season, will now be sidelined for at least four games, according to ESPN.
The Mavericks still have Kyrie Irving in the backcourt. Nearly two weeks ago, Irving almost single-handedly led the team to victory over Denver, scoring a season-high 43 points but missing the potential game-winning three-pointer in the final seconds as the Mavericks fell 122-120.
Dallas was without P.J. Washington and Dereck Lively II in that loss on November 10, but both players have since returned. The Mavericks will need to overcome Doncic’s absence to secure their fourth straight win.
The Nuggets lost their first two road games without Jokic but managed to secure a 122-110 victory over Memphis on Tuesday night, marking their first group stage win. Russell Westbrook achieved his NBA-record 200th career triple-double in the win over the Grizzlies, but Denver lost forward Vlatko Cancar to a left knee injury.
Losing Cancar, who missed last season with an ACL tear, further impacts the team’s depth. The Nuggets are already without Aaron Gordon (calf) and possibly Jokic, who is averaging a triple-double.
Coach Michael Malone has not hesitated to utilize his bench. Guard Trey Alexander played nine minutes against Memphis on Tuesday and may see more action.
Dario Saric has rejoined the rotation after missing five straight games. Saric started in place of Jokic during the road trip and contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds in Denver’s 105-90 loss to the Grizzlies on Sunday night.
