Analyzing the “Joker” jolt
The Denver Nuggets have landed in Toronto for their New Year’s Eve clash with the Raptors, but all eyes remain on the medical table. Following Nikola Jokic left knee injury in Miami on Monday night, the basketball world has been scouring every replay of the moment teammate Spencer Jones stepped on the big man’s foot.
While the scene was described as “gut-wrenching” by coach David Adelman, leading sports medicine experts are beginning to offer a more tempered—and surprisingly positive—outlook.
Dr. Brian Sutterer, a renowned sports physician and injury analyst, took to social media to provide an early assessment based on the game footage. “I’m more optimistic than pessimistic,” Sutterer noted, pointing out several key factors:
Medical Forecast
Questionable, Not Out
The Nuggets initially listed Jokic as “Questionable” to return rather than ruling him out instantly. This often suggests the medical staff didn’t detect immediate, catastrophic instability during initial locker-room manual tests.
Stable Mechanics
The hyperextension didn’t appear to involve extreme “valgus” or “varus” (side-to-side) shifting. This linear movement reduces the likelihood of a complete ACL or MCL tear, which often requires a rotational component.
Walking Power
Jokic made his way to the locker room under his own power. Though he had a pronounced limp, the ability to bear weight is a positive indicator that the primary structural pillars of the knee remain largely intact.
The Tuesday MRI: What happens now?
Jokic is scheduled for his official MRI today, Tuesday, December 30. The team is working through the logistics of getting the scans processed in Toronto while maintaining communication with their primary specialists back in Denver. If the “optimistic” theory holds, the MRI may reveal a Grade 1 sprain or a bone bruise. In this scenario, Nikola Jokic could be back on the floor in as little as 7–14 days. However, if structural damage is found, the Nuggets’ title hopes—and Jokic’s record-shattering MVP campaign—would face a months-long setback.
A roster in “Survival Mode”
Even if the news is positive, the Nuggets are almost certain to face the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday without their centerpiece. This creates a massive void for a team already missing:
- Aaron Gordon: Still recovering from a hamstring strain (Target return: early January).
- Christian Braun: Managing a lingering ankle issue.
- Cameron Johnson: Sidelined with his own knee management.
Jamal Murray will be the focal point of the offense in Toronto. “We’ve been through this before,” Murray said, referring to his own ACL recovery. “You just pray it’s a minor thing. We’ll find out more tomorrow and move on as a team.”
Historical context: The “Jokic-less” Nuggets
Denver’s reliance on Nikola Jokic is unparalleled. Statistically, the Nuggets’ offensive rating drops by nearly 12 points per 100 possessions when he is off the floor.
| Category | With Jokic (2025) | Without Jokic (Historical) |
|---|---|---|
| Win Percentage | .688 (22-10) | .361 (13-23) |
| Offensive Rating | 121.4 | 109.2 |
| Assists per Game | 30.3 | 24.1 |
With the Western Conference standings currently a “dogfight”—Denver is 3rd, but only two games ahead of the 6th-seeded Clippers—even a two-week absence could see them fall into the play-in tournament range.
The 24-hour countdown
The next 24 hours will be the most significant of the Nuggets’ season. As fans wait for the official press release from Toronto, the consensus among the league is clear: the NBA is simply better when its brightest star is on the court.
