Happy Thanksgiving: Five Things for Nuggets Fans to Cheer

Denver Nuggets: Anticipating Jokic’s return from injury

The reigning MVP is coming back soon. It might even be tomorrow night against the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks.

The commentators on Tuesday’s TNT broadcast against Portland heard Jokic telling Coach Malone he wanted to play “so badly.” Stan Van Gundy added that it’s lucky the medical staff makes the decisions or Jokic would have probably been on the floor.

So far, Jokic is having a better season than his MVP campaign, particularly stepping up his defensive game as well-illustrated in this piece by my colleague Sean Carroll.

Jokic currently boasts the same scoring average of 26.4 points per game as last season but has upped his rebound average to a career high 13.6 (second in the league) compared to 10.3 last season. HIs shooting percentage is also well above his previous career-high at 59.3 percent. And his 3-point percentage and blocks per game are career highs as well.

By Friday, it will have been two days off and a hearty Thanksgiving meal to help the Nuggets heal. Hopefully, Jokic greets the fans from center court at Ball Arena. Extra thanks would be offered if Bones returns, too.

In the meantime, enjoy your Turkey Day!