Particle.news
Download on the App Store
20 ARTICLES
·
6h ago

Jokic Set to Play on Minutes Limit in Nuggets–Thunder Rematch

The three-time MVP’s availability follows a 31-point return, keeping him on track for the NBA’s 65-game awards threshold.

Jan 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) and center Nikola Jokic (15) on the bench in the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Jalen Brunson, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic will be the four stars on the court for NBC’s Sunday Night Basketball debut doubleheader.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 13: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets shoots over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of game five of the Western Conference semifinals at Paycom Center on May 13, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
Image

Overview

  • Nikola Jokic is listed as probable and expected to play against Oklahoma City, per the Nuggets’ official report and multiple outlets.
  • Denver plans to manage Jokic’s workload after his 25-minute, 31-point return against the Clippers, with a continued minutes restriction anticipated.
  • Jamal Murray is probable, Christian Braun has been upgraded to doubtful, and Aaron Gordon and Cam Johnson remain out for Denver.
  • The Thunder ruled out Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso and Ajay Mitchell, while center Isaiah Hartenstein recently returned from a calf strain and logged 11 points and five rebounds vs. Minnesota.
  • Sunday marks the teams’ first meeting this season and first since OKC’s seven-game playoff win last spring, with Denver having gone 10-6 during Jokic’s 16-game absence.