Dec 28, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts from the bench in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Nikola Jokic’s Updated Injury Status for Celtics-Nuggets

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Jan 7, 2025 6:56 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets are set to face off against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night in a pivotal game for the Nuggets, as they'll have a chance to prove themselves against the reigning NBA champions.

Coming off a thrilling victory over the San Antonio Spurs in overtime on Saturday, Denver was again led by superstar center Nikola Jokic. In the win over San Antonio, Jokic finished with 46 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds.

Fans received a scare earlier on Tuesday when Jokic popped up on the injury report with an illness. The initial status update for Jokic listed him as probable to play despite the downgraded listing.

: Nikola Jokic (illness) is now probable to play tonight vs. the Celtics

Jokic popped up on the injury report this afternoon. He’s still expected to suit up. pic.twitter.com/LeVIn6r6TO
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) January 7, 2025

With the game just a few hours away, an update on Jokic's status has been provided, and it is trending in the wrong direction. Jokic is now listed as questionable with this illness after first appearing on the injury report as probable.

Via Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette: "Jokic is questionable on the latest version of the injury report."

Jokic is questionable on the latest version of the injury report. https://t.co/7hRxHslEg8
— Vinny Benedetto (@VBenedetto) January 7, 2025

Given Jokic's impact and on/off-court analytics for Denver, his presence is necessary for them to stay competitive against a team like Boston. Jokic enters this game second in points per game (31.5), trailing Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo by a tenth of a point (31.6). Jokic also ranks third in rebounding (13.0 RPG) and second in assists (9.7 APG).

As for the Celtics, guard Derrick White is the only notable status as he's questionable with an illness. Denver will be without Aaron Gordon for the seventh consecutive game as he nurses a right calf strain.