News about the injury of Nikola Jokić from Shams teases a return

The Denver Nuggets they are looking for stability in their frontcourt as they continue a demanding journey without their franchise cornerstone. Ahead of the matchup against the Washington Wizards, the team received a potential boost with a veteran center Jonas Valanciunas is listed as doubtful after straining his right calf.

Valanciunas has been reliable on the interior this season, averaging 8.5 points and nearly five rebounds in limited minutes, and his return would provide a much-needed boost while Nikola Jokic stays on the sidelines.

Jokic has been out since late December after suffering a bruised left knee against the Miami Heat, leaving the Nuggets to navigate a congested January schedule relying heavily on their secondary rotations and the leadership of Jamal Murray.

“Early February remains the earliest the Nuggets can get Nikola Jokic back from the knee injury he suffered in Miami on Dec. 29. Denver has somehow managed to go 9-6 without Jokic and there’s no shortage of additional injuries,” Marc Stein reported for The Stein Line.

Shams: “The Denver Nuggets will re-evaluate Nikola Jokic in about a week. He is making great progress, he is in the phase of accelerating his return to the game” pic.twitter.com/KKp0M2SzII

— Oh no, it’s not (@ohnohedidnt24) January 27, 2026

This conservative timeline it is little at odds with recent optimism from Shams Charania of NBA Today, who noted that Jokic has continued to practice on the court and appears to be “progressing quickly.”

Charania suggested a return by the end of January is still possible, which would be crucial if Jokic remains eligible for postseason awards such as MVP under the league’s 65-game requirement.

Despite the absence of the three-time MVP, Denver remained extremely resilient, holding a 31-16 record and third place in the Western Conference. The Joker-less run saw young players like Peyton Watson emerge as a legitimate scoring threat, and Watson averaged over 21 points during January.

This survival has even prompted analysts such as Bill Simmons to move Denver into the top tier of title favorites, highlighting the importance of the team’s depth development during this stretch.

As the Nuggets prepare for the upcoming All-Star break, the bond between Jokic and fellow superstar Luka Doncic remains a highlight for fans. Doncic expressed his excitement about teaming up with Jokic for Team World in the new All-Star format, although it remains uncertain whether the Nuggets star will be healthy enough to participate in the midseason spectacle.