Is Nikola Jokić playing tonight? Nuggets vs. Bulls injury report

Looking to end a three-game skid, the Denver Nuggets go east to download Chicago Bulls on Saturday night. Denver prays Nikola Jokić remains in the lineupwith the three-time MVP sitting out five games with an injury after returning from a one-month layoff. Here’s what we know about Nikola Jokic’s injury and his playing status against the Bulls.

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Nikola Jokić injury status against the Bulls

While Jokic missed 16 games in January with a knee injury, he is on the roster Saturday’s injury report with a sprained ankle. Another injury is certainly a concern, but it’s a good sign for the Nuggets that Jokic’s knee is no longer bothering him.

Jokic hasn’t missed a game since returning on Jan. 30, and he’s had three days off since the Nuggets’ last outing, giving him a solid chance to stay in the lineup. Denver needs him to stay in the lineup, with Aaron Gordon, Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones already ruled out. Christian Brown is also listed on the injury report with a minor ankle sprain, though he is likely to play.

If Jokić suffers a setback, Jonas Valančunas will return to the starting line-up. Valanciunas has two double-doubles in his last six games, including one with Jokic, but played just 13 minutes in the Nuggets’ last game against the New York Knicks on Wednesday.

As full as the Nuggets’ injury report is, the Bulls face even more serious absences. Leading guards Josh Giddei and Tre Jones remain outboth deal with hamstring strain. Starting point guard Jalen Smith is questionable to play with a calf strain.

The Bulls’ injury woes have led to a 1-6 drought over their last seven games. Chicago’s lack of a guard led to Anferni Simmons starting his first game with the team on Thursday. Simmons went 6 of 13 from behind the arc and led the team with 22 points in a loss to the Toronto Raptors.

However, when it comes to Jokic’s injury status, expect him to play on Saturday, barring him going down in warmups.

Nuggets injury report

Tamar Bates, OUT — Left foot surgery

Christian Brown, likely — sprained left ankle

Aaron Gordon, OUT — Right hamstring strain

Cameron Johnson, questionable – bruised right knee

Nikola Jokić, Questionable — Left ankle sprain

Curtis Jones, OUT — G League

Spencer Jones, OUT — Concussion

Peyton Watson, OUT — Right hamstring strain

Bulls injury report

Zach Collins, OUT — Sprained right finger

Noah Essengue, OUT — Left shoulder surgery

Josh Giddei, OUT — Left hamstring strain

Tre Jones, OUT — Left hamstring strain

Jalen Smith, Questionable – Right calf strain