The reigning back-to-back MVP of the NBA, Nikola Jokic, is back with another season of candidacy for the ultimate individual honor in the NBA which now goes by the name of the Michael Jordan Trophy.
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For the Joker to become only the 4th player in history to become the recipient of this award in 3 consecutive seasons, he will have to bring it every night as he faces tough competition from Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Ja Morant.
And the latter of three, having defeated his Nuggets 3 out 4 times last season, is now knocking on his door for the first showdown of this season. Will the Serbian big man play the game against the Grizzlies tonight? Let’s find out.
Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight vs. Ja Morant and Co?
Having played 26 out of 29, averaging close to a triple-double (25.2 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game), Jokic probably had the most dominant game of the season by an individual in his last outing against the Charlotte Hornets.
The 2-time MVP called his inner Wilt Chamberlain and went for 40 points, 27 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 steals in a 119-115 win. And naturally, his team has put him on the injury list for Tuesday night action. However, he is a game-time decision with a “right knee constitution”.
Injury Report for tomorrow’s game ⬇️#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/tVDBFu2Y1u
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 19, 2022
If the 4x All-Star sits the game against the only team that has a better record than them in the West and is led by another MVP candidate who lurks just behind him on the rankings, his candidature will take a massive hit.
He can’t risk it when the game will be televised on TNT. Inside, the NBA crew wouldn’t let it go. Hence, do expect the 6ft 11’ European juggernaut to take on the court tonight and amaze us with his brilliance yet again.
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