Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic (knee) set to make comeback against Clippers

Denver Nuggets standout Nikola Jokic is expected to make his return on Friday night against the Los Angeles Clippers at home after being out since December 29 due to a bone bruise in his hyperextended left knee, according to sources cited by ESPN.

Jokic is also anticipated to participate in Sunday’s match against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Denver and will be eligible for season accolades such as MVP and All-NBA.

The 6-foot-11 center sustained the injury during the first half of Denver’s defeat to the Miami Heat in December. Before the injury, he was ranked fifth in the NBA in scoring, averaging 29.6 points per game. He has also recorded 16 triple-doubles this season, leading the league.

Jokic is posting career-best averages in assists per game (11.0) and three-point shooting percentage (43%).

During Jokic’s absence, the Nuggets achieved a record of 10-6 over the past month and more. This marks the highest number of games he has missed in any season throughout his career.