In a significant boost for the Denver Nuggets, their superstar center Nikola Jokic will be available and ready to play when the team visits the Miami Heat on Monday, December 29, 2025. The reigning MVP is not listed on the team's official injury report, confirming his full participation in the marquee NBA clash at the Kaseya Center.
Jokic's Stellar Form and Denver's Injury Woes
The availability of Jokic is a major relief for a Nuggets squad currently navigating a severe injury crisis. Several key rotation players have been ruled out, forcing the team to lean even more heavily on their talismanic big man to orchestrate the offense. Christian Braun (ankle), Tamar Bates (foot), Aaron Gordon (hamstring), and Cam Johnson (knee) are all sidelined for Denver.
This places the offensive burden squarely on Jokic's shoulders, a responsibility he has carried with historic efficiency this season. The Serbian maestro is averaging a staggering 29.9 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 11.1 assists per game, powering the Nuggets to a formidable 22-9 record and third place in the competitive Western Conference.
Historic Performances and Key Matchup Details
Jokic's recent performances have been nothing short of legendary, pushing his season averages even higher. On Christmas Day against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he delivered a monumental stat line of 56 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists. He followed that up just two nights later with a 34-point, 21-rebound, 12-assist triple-double against the Orlando Magic.
Miami's defense, which will look very different without the services of guards Tyler Herro (toe) and Terry Rozier (not with team), must devise a clear plan to contain him. All eyes will be on the potential marquee matchup in the paint if Miami's defensive anchor, Bam Adebayo (back - probable), is cleared to play. Adebayo would be the Heat's primary option to guard Jokic.
Game Outlook and Historical Context
The game is scheduled for a 7:30 PM ET tip-off and will be broadcast on the FanDuel Sports Network Sun. The Nuggets, with their 22-9 record, face a Miami Heat team sitting at 17-15 and seventh in the Eastern Conference.
History heavily favors Denver in this matchup. The Nuggets have won nine of the last ten meetings between these two teams, a run that extends back to the 2023 NBA Finals. Earlier this season, Denver secured a 122-112 victory over Miami, a game where Jokic posted a triple-double of 33 points, 15 rebounds, and 16 assists.
With Jamal Murray expected to test Miami's depleted backcourt and Norman Powell likely to shoulder more scoring for the Heat, the game's tempo will largely be dictated by Jokic. If he controls the game as he has throughout December, the Nuggets will be in a prime position to extend their winning streak against Miami and leave South Beach with a valuable road victory.
