The Denver Nuggets are the defending NBA champions and they are once again one of the better teams in the league to start the 2023-24 season because of MVP candidate Nikola Jokic. Between his scoring, passing, and rebounding abilities, Jokic has become one of the most unstoppable forces in the entire league.

On Monday night, the Nuggets will look to keep their perfect 4-0 home record alive against Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans. Already without Jamal Murray due to a right hamstring injury, the Nuggets may have to go up against the 4-2 Pelicans without Jokic.

Prior to this matchup, Jokic ended up being a late addition to the team's official injury report with right wrist Inflammation. The two-time MVP is currently listed as probable for Monday night's game.

On Friday, Jokic showed up on the injury report with lower back pain. He was not forced to miss any time as a result.

Article Continues Below
More Denver Nuggets News
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) controls the ball in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Ball Arena.
Nuggets rumors: Russell Westbrook to get massive contract offer from surprise teamTroy Finnegan ·
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) watches the final minutes of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder from the bench in the fourth quarter during game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
DeMarcus Cousins reveals NBA’s major issue with Nuggets’ Nikola JokicJackson Stone ·
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) runs down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second quarter during game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Nikola Jokic’s wild ‘Joker’ origin story from Mike MillerBenedetto Vitale ·
Serbia and Denver Nuggets power forward Nikola Jokic (15) celebrates on the podium with teammates after winning the bronze medal in men's basketball during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena.
Novak Djokovic shuts down ‘fake’ Nikola Jokic narrativeTroy Finnegan ·
Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman in the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game six of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena.
David Adelman parts ways with several key members of Nuggets’ coaching staffTroy Finnegan ·
Denver Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke (left) and president Josh Kroenke (right) during the championship parade after the Denver Nuggets won the 2023 NBA Finals
Josh Kroenke puts his foot down on potential Nuggets ‘cultural reset’Rachel Strand ·

Even though Jokic is probable, there is still a chance of him missing this game. Denver would not have added Jokic to the injury report unless they had a reason to and this could signal that the team is considering keeping the star center out for rest. With Murray being out, now may be the best time for the Nuggets to monitor Jokic's minutes.

Then again, he is never one to want to miss games and none of Denver's other starters are listed on the injury report. While he was a late add to the injury report, there still seems to be a high chance of Jokic playing on Monday night.

In a total of seven games so far this season, Jokic has averaged 27.4 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game. The Serbian big man has recorded at least 22 points and a double-double in every single game he has played in.

Should Jokic ultimately be a late-scratch against the Pelicans, Zeke Nnaji and veteran DeAndre Jordan will be good to go at the center position.