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Dec 29, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) grabs his left knee as head coach David Adelman approaches him after an injury against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Dec 29, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) grabs his left knee as head coach David Adelman approaches him after an injury against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Shams Charania’s Latest Nikola Jokic Injury Update Provides Relief to Nuggets

Originally posted on EssentiallySports | By Adrija Mahato | Last updated Dec 30, 2025 11:22 PM ET

The NBA world regularly watches Nikola Jokic suit up for the Denver Nuggets. In almost every game, the Serbian big man takes the lead, charges down on his rivals, and simply destroys them. Triple-doubles feel like child’s play when the Joker makes them. However, for the next 4 weeks, we’ll have to wait to see the magic happen all over again.

On Monday, Jokic left the Kaseya Center with a left knee hyperextension. At first, many experts thought it could be an ACL injury. But no, the league just got lucky not to have lost another of its stars to the ominous fate. Now, on Tuesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania gave further updates about the 30-year-old center on SportsCenter. And to be honest, there seems to be light at the end of the dark tunnel.

Charania reported: Jokic has avoided a season-ending injury. All of his ligaments are intact, and he will be back this season. He’s going to be reevaluated after one month. His rehab, I’m told, will consist of rest and treatment.

Latest for @SportsCenter on Denver Nuggets perennial MVP candidate Nikola Jokic’s knee injury and absence: pic.twitter.com/QX8IEadIoE

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 30, 2025

Jokic was having an explosive 2025-26 regular season, averaging 29/12/11 per game. He was leading the MVP conversation. And maybe, who knows, he could have won his fourth one this season. However, the injury has now put those dreams on the shelf. And here’s why.

Can Nikola Jokic still become an MVP after he comes back in a month?

Nikola Jokic has played 69+ games in all his prior seasons. That’s 10 seasons with relentless work and availability. “But now he likely will not be eligible for awards this season,” Shams Charania further informed. “That includes MVP and All-NBA teams. Because of that 65-game threshold and the time that he’s set to miss over the next month.”

Jokic now faces a month on the sidelines, with roughly 18 games slipping away and his 2025-26 MVP pursuit wobbling. The NBA demands 65 appearances, plus strict minute rules and rare loopholes. Availability frames greatness. As time passes, belief weakens. Even if the numbers barely hold, momentum leaks away fast.

Meanwhile, the award conversation keeps moving. History shows voters rarely forget long disappearances. Durability still sells value. As a result, healthier contenders steal the spotlight. Shai Gilgeous Alexander sits near plus 140. Luka Doncic floats between plus 450-600. Even with a 62-game buffer, perception remains king, and narratives crown winners.

So now, basketball holds its breath as the Joker steps away, briefly silenced but far from finished. Relief replaces fear, yet uncertainty lingers. You see, time waits for no superstar. Meanwhile, the NBA and MVP races keep moving, louder and faster. When he returns, greatness must speak again, louder than doubt, sharper than memory.

This article first appeared on EssentiallySports and was syndicated with permission.

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