Key Highlights
- Nikola Jokic is resuming on-court workouts after a knee injury.
- The center may return to action before the end of January.
- Peyton Watson has been performing well in the absence of Jokic.
- Tim Hardaway Jr. has made significant contributions despite his limited playing time.
Nuggets Update: Jokic Resumes Workouts, Watson Shines in His Absence
The Denver Nuggets have welcomed a crucial piece back to their training regimen as center Nikola Jokic has resumed on-court workouts following his absence due to a knee injury. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, who made the announcement during an appearance on NBA Today (Twitter video link), Jokic was ruled out for four weeks in late December and is currently ahead of schedule in his recovery.
Charania stated that if Jokic misses exactly four weeks as a result of the knee injury, he would return to action on January 27. This timeline aligns with the initial projection but suggests that Jokic may be slightly ahead of schedule.
The Nuggets are optimistic about the center’s potential return before the end of January.
Meanwhile, the team has continued to perform well in Jokic’s absence, going 5-3 over their recent stretch. Key contributors like Peyton Watson have stepped up significantly, showcasing impressive statistics and earning recognition for his efforts. According to Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports (via Twitter), Watson’s performance over the past eight games has been notable, with averages of 24.6 points per game, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.
Watson expressed his gratitude for receiving the first Player of the Week award of his career, saying, “I can’t tell you the last time I’ve won any personal accolade.
So it really means a lot to me to be recognized by the league. It’s just more fuel to my fire. It makes me want to be better and better.
I don’t want that to be my first and only. I want it to be the first of many.”
Tim Hardaway Jr., who has made a significant impact despite his limited playing time, is also contributing positively. As reported by Bennett Durando of The Denver Post (subscription required), Hardaway’s field goal percentage (.463) and three-point shooting percentage (.414) are career highs.
His leadership on the court has been appreciated, with teammate Jalen Pickett noting, “Tim’s been great. He’s been telling me, ‘Be aggressive, get in there, attack.’ He sees the work that I put in. So, just having a veteran like that, who can read the game and see the game, is great.”
Despite Jokic’s impending return, the Nuggets are focused on his long-term health rather than rushing him back to action.
The team has been performing well during his absence, currently tied for second place in the Western Conference with a 27-13 record. However, they are cautious about overexerting Jokic too soon after his injury.
Injuries to key players like Christian Braun, Jamal Murray, and Bruce Brown have also impacted the team’s lineup. Braun is listed as missing for Wednesday’s game in Dallas due to a left ankle sprain, while Murray (left ankle sprain; illness) and Brown (right knee inflammation) are questionable for a back-to-back situation.
The Denver Nuggets continue to navigate through their season with resilience and determination, relying on the contributions of multiple players as they aim to secure a strong standing in the Western Conference.
