Nuggets Address Nikola Jokic's Availability for Season Finale

In their penultimate game of the regular season against the OKC Thunder, the Denver Nuggets made an interesting decision to rest all five of their starters in an effort to give added rest and secure the health of some of their most vital players in the rotation, such as three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

However, in the process of the Nuggets deciding to sit Jokic in that matchup against the Thunder, it leaves Denver's big man just one game shy of hitting the NBA's 65-game minimum to be eligible for end-of-season awards. Right now, he sits at just 64.

Obviously, it raises some questions regarding what the Nuggets' plans are moving forward as it pertains to Jokic, and whether they actually plan to let him reach that mark in their final game vs. the San Antonio Spurs, or opt to play things conservatively instead.

"Yeah, he’ll probably have a triple-double," Adelman joked. "No, I think we’ll have that same conversation tomorrow. We’re all aware of that, the rule. We all laughed about the game he got hurt in Miami. I think he was 20 seconds away from the game counting and he almost had a triple-double at that point, it was kind of wild."

"Anyway, the minute thing on Sunday will be talked about with the front office, ownership, Nikola. Obviously, his opinion matters in that situation."

Nuggets' to Discuss Jokic's Availability vs. Spurs

It still seems more than likely that Jokic will inevitably suit up for that final regular season game against the Spurs. However, before that decision is finalized, the organization will ensure to come to a consensus that's best for all involved.

For Jokic to actually claim eligibility for end-of-season awards, it'll rely on him playing just 15 minutes in that final game for him to lock in his status. On the surface, that makes it even more likely he'll be on the floor in some capacity against the Spurs, even if not for the entire four quarters of action.