The Denver Nuggets are optimistic that their star center Nikola Jokic could return in late January 2026, after a knee hyperextension sidelined him as the team continues to monitor his rehab while rookie contributions maintain momentum.
Jokic injured his knee on December 29 versus the Miami Heat when teammate Spencer Jones accidentally stepped on his foot, causing a bone bruise, forcing him to miss multiple games and prompting cautious evaluation by team doctors.
Initially projected out for four weeks, Jokic has resumed on-court workouts slightly ahead of schedule, as the Nuggets hope he can rejoin the lineup soon, contribute before postseason, and remain eligible for awards requiring a 65 game minimum.
“A big development here, Nikola Jokic has resumed on-court workouts for Denver,” Shams Charania reported. “He’s right on schedule, if not a little ahead of schedule, of making his return to the lineup by the end of this month.
“That’s about that four week initial timetable that they had. The Nuggets are optimistic Nikola Jokic will be able to return by that late January mark. He’s making great progress, rapid progress, and could be back in time for postseason awards.”
Peyton Watson stars as Nuggets push on without Jokic
Before his injury, Jokic averaged 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, 11.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, shooting 60.5 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from three, leading the league in rebounds and assists while anchoring Denver’s offense efficiently.
Even sidelined, Jokic has remained a leader on the bench, traveling with the team, cheering teammates, offering guidance during timeouts, and helping maintain morale, demonstrating veteran leadership beyond his on-court contributions.
Meanwhile, Peyton Watson has thrived in Jokic’s absence, scoring 115 points in four games from January 7 to 13, surpassing his 105 point career total at UCLA, highlighting his sudden scoring ability and the Nuggets’ emerging depth.
Drafted 30th overall in 2022, Watson had limited college success but has excelled in the NBA, posting 31 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block in the win over the New Orleans Pelicans, showing scoring versatility and poise beyond expectations.
The 23 year old averages 27.8 points over his last five games, boosting Denver’s playoff positioning while demonstrating he can shoulder responsibilities, giving the Nuggets a reliable second scoring option until Jokic returns to the starting lineup.
The Nuggets have adjusted rotations and strategy, relying on forwards and guards to space the floor and create open looks while Jokic rehabs, with coach David Adelman praising Watson’s performance for both scoring and defensive energy.
Denver faces the Dallas Mavericks on January 14 at 21:30 ET / 18:30 PT, as Watson looks to continue his hot streak, while Jokic’s potential late January return could impact postseason awards, playoff seeding, and Denver’s title contention hopes.
