Jokic out vs. Clippers as Nuggets deal with major injury woes

Nikola Jokic has been officially ruled out for the Nuggets versus Clippers game due to a back injury. Aaron Gordon is also out.

The Denver Nuggets’ injury report on Monday before taking on the Los Angeles Clippers will make every Mile High City fan frustrated. As if Jamal Murray’s absence is not brutal enough, the team will now have to deal with the absence of Nikola Jokic as well.

Denver’s superstar big man, who was initially listed as questionable for the game due to low back pain, has been officially ruled out, according to team reporter Katy Winge. Making matters worse, Aaron Gordon continues to be sidelined as well after missing Sunday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs due to a right heel strain.

That means that the Nuggets won’t be with three starters against the Nuggets. Only Michael Porter Jr. remains healthy out of their core group, and he’ll now be tasked to lead the team against a Clippers squad that is starting to find its rhythm following the James Harden blockbuster trade.

It is certainly not the most ideal situation for the Nuggets, especially amid their recent struggles that saw them lose five of their last eight games. Without Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray, it will be hard for Michael Malone’s men to counter the offensive production of Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Harden and Russell Westbrook.

Sure enough, the Nuggets have depth to make the game competitive, but there’s no denying that Jokic’s absence is a massive blow. He’s the focal point of their offense, and considering the fact that he has yet to miss a game prior to Monday, Denver will have to make quick adjustments that they haven’t done this 2023-24 season.