In a significant blow to their lineup, the Denver Nuggets have officially ruled out their superstar center, Nikola Jokic, for the marquee NBA clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, January 2, 2026. The reigning MVP continues his recovery from a left knee injury, sidelining him for a crucial road game.
Jokic's Injury Status and Recovery Timeline
The team confirmed that Jokic's absence is part of a structured recovery plan and not a last-minute decision. He suffered a hyperextension of his left knee earlier in the week, accompanied by a concerning bone bruise. The Nuggets' medical staff has projected a recovery window of more than four weeks, with a re-evaluation scheduled in approximately one month.
Before this setback, Jokic was putting up phenomenal numbers, averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11 assists per game. His absence not only reshapes Denver's immediate prospects but could also influence the trajectory of the current season's MVP race.
Denver Nuggets' Extensive Injury Report for January 2
Jokic is unfortunately not alone on the sidelines. The Nuggets are navigating their Eastern Conference road trip with one of their longest injury lists this season, particularly depleted in the frontcourt.
Key players ruled out for the Cavaliers game include:
- Aaron Gordon (Right hamstring strain)
- Christian Braun (Left ankle sprain)
- Cam Johnson (Right knee injury management)
- Jonas Valančiūnas (Right calf strain, out about four weeks)
A sliver of good news for Denver is that guard Jamal Murray (ankle sprain) is listed on the injury report but is expected to play. With Jokic out, Murray will become the undisputed focal point of the Nuggets' offense.
Game Impact and What to Expect in Cleveland
The highly anticipated matchup at Rocket Arena, tipping off at 7:30 p.m. ET (which translates to early morning hours of January 3 for fans in India), has lost much of its lustre. Denver will be without its primary scorer, rebounder, and playmaker, forcing a shift to a more guard-oriented offensive scheme.
Cleveland, comparatively healthier, now holds a distinct advantage, especially in the paint. For the Cavaliers, this presents a clear opportunity to control the game. For the injury-ravaged Nuggets, the objective shifts to staying competitive, avoiding further injuries, and simply weathering the storm until their key players, led by Jokic, can return later in January.
