The Denver Nuggets can't catch a break. Nikola Jokic has been added to the Nuggets' newest injury report. Reported by Brendan Vogt on X, the Joker is listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain for the final game of their road trip in Chicago against the Bulls.
Jokic played 46 minutes in the double-OT loss to the Knicks in the Nuggets' prior game. The update couldn't have come at a worse time for the Nuggets, who have now lost three straight for the first time this season during a stretch on the schedule that has seen them play OKC, Detroit, and New York in consecutive games.
It wasn't all bad news, however, as Brendan Vogt's update also listed Cam Johnson as upgraded to questionable. While it's only a questionable tag, it's a welcome relief to see any positive update concerning the health of a Nugget. Johnson, who has started all 28 games he has appeared in this season, has been out since December 23rd when he injured his right knee in a game against the Mavericks. Johnson will most likely reclaim his starting role upon his ascension back to the court.
Nuggets lose two more key players to injury
Also added to the report is Spencer Jones, the latest player to miss time in a season that seems like every Nugget has been hurt. Jones suffered a concussion in a scary incident with Karl-Anthony Towns when their heads collided, leaving both players banged up. No timetable was given for Jones' return to action; however, he has entered the concussion protocol.
It's a tough blow to the breakout second-year forward from Stanford. Jones has started 34 games for the injury-depleted Nuggets, averaging 6 points and 3.1 rebounds, but he's playing solid defense, and it's earned him 23.6 minutes per night from Nuggets head coach David Adelman.
And finally, Peyton Watson is the last addition to the injury list. He is expected to miss at least four weeks, at which time he will be reevaluated for a grade 2 hamstring strain. Just another in a long line of injuries for the Nuggets this season, as frustration grows at just how unlucky the Nuggets have been.
The silver lining continues to be the overall team play. David Adelman has been finding a way to get production from whatever rotation he throws on the floor. The Nuggets will look to continue that same path forward in Chicago before returning home to Denver to take on the new-look Cleveland Cavaliers.