Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight against Detroit Pistons? Latest injury update on Nuggets’ star ahead of matchup (16th March 2023)
Nikola Jokic is one of the best NBA players of the 2022-23 season. The Denver Nuggets’ big man has been exceptional so far, making him one of the favorites to win the MVP title.
If Jokic wins the title it will be his third. Considering only eight players in league history have won three or more MVP awards, the 6-foot-11 center will join the elite company if he pulls off the feat.
The Joker will have a chance to show off his skills against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night. Jokic hasn’t had any major injury problems this season which is why he will be available for the Motor City matchup.
Nikola Jokic will be available against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night
The Denver Nuggets have a comfortable lead over the other Western Conference teams. With a 45-23 record, the Nuggets are 4.5 ahead of the Sacramento Kings and the Memphis Grizzlies, who are currently 41-27.
However, Nikola Jokic and his team have lost their last four games, which could be worrying. While they’re unlikely to lose their top spot in the conference, this losing streak could negatively impact Jokic’s MVP chances.
The 28-year-old center has been very consistent this season and his efficiency has been incredible. He was also relatively healthy, which is why he only missed eight games.
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The last time Nikola Jokic missed a game was on February 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Since then, he has appeared in 15 games and averaged 24.4 points, 13.7 rebounds and 9.5 assists per game. Also during this time, Jokic converted 62.5% of his shots.
Jokic’s career stats against Pistons
In their first matchup of the season, the Detroit Pistons defeated the Nuggets by two points in Denver. Jokic had 31 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists, but that wasn’t enough to beat the Pistons.
With the loss, Jokic’s record against the Pistons is 9-5. The Denver Nuggets superstar has averaged 20.8 points, 9.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game against the Pistons during his career.
The big man has started in 13 of those games and will play the Pistons in his 15th career game Thursday night. Considering the Pistons have the worst record in the league, Nikola Jokic is likely to put on a dominant performance.
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Jokic had several impressive performances against Detroit. However, his greatest performance against the Pistons came on February 2, 2020 when he had a triple-double with 39 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists.