Nikola Jokic, who sustained a right knee injury late in the second quarter of the Nuggets‘ loss to Utah on Tuesday night, seemed to be in a good deal of pain and didn’t return to the game. However, as Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN writes, Jokic – who was diagnosed with a knee contusion – appears to have avoided a major injury.
“I really haven’t had a chance to talk to trainers yet but I don’t think it’s anything too too serious,” said Nuggets head coach Michael Malone, who added that he wasn’t sure whether Jokic would undergo any additional testing. The reigning MVP was initially deemed questionable to return and tested the knee at halftime, but Malone determined the risk wasn’t worth the reward on the second night of a back-to-back set.
“He said he thinks he’s fine,” Nuggets point guard Monte Morris said, per Youngmisuk. “He’s a real tough dude. I am sure he will be OK. I hope so.”
Here are a few more injury updates from across the NBA:
- Pacers guard Caris LeVert, who is recovering from a back injury, has been ramping up his basketball activities and practiced with the team on Tuesday, per Wheat Hotchkiss of Pacers.com. Although head coach Rick Carlisle wouldn’t make any guarantees about when LeVert would be back on the court, the 27-year-old has been listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game in Toronto and says he feels “ready to go,” tweets Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files.
- LeBron James missed Tuesday’s win over San Antonio on Tuesday due to a sore right ankle and Anthony Davis injured his right knee during the fourth quarter, but the Lakers aren’t concerned about either one of their stars, writes Dave McMenamin of ESPN. James is considered day-to-day, while Davis was able to stay in the game after suffering what he called “a little stinger.”
- Pelicans head coach Willie Green provided a minor update on Zion Williamson‘s health on Tuesday, telling reporters that the former No. 1 pick is “progressing and doing more and more on the floor” (link via Pelicans.com). Williamson, who is coming off right foot surgery, will have another round of scans performed on his foot later this week or next week, according to Green, who said the team would know more at that time.
The Lakers may say they’re not concerned because they know the media would just make a big deal out of it, but they know the health of AD and LeBron is of the utmost concern in regards to their success.
That’s the good thing about having Russ and Monk. They picked up the scoring with LeBron out versus the Spurs. Last year, the team had to depend on Kuzma (who still can’t shoot in Washington).
Anybody that has seen Kyle Kuzma play basketball even once should know that boy can shoot
Kuz can not shoot lol what you talking about . Look at his stats so far . Terrible 3 point shooter , barely shooting 41% overall
Don’t forget young boy who look like a decent 3 point shooter . Heck he played over a vet in ab
You see why having Russ is a great deal. He step up and score 30 and when melo on he can get you 15+ a night . If this was last season team I’ll be worry but I’m not as worry this season
His 20/14/13 night wasn’t enough to beat OKC.
A.D. really gets us Lakers fans worried when he goes down in pain like that. I really liked the effort afterwards, he and Russ finished out the game beautifully!
My question is why LA felt it was smart to run a play for Davis to catch/finish a lob on the possession right after he was on the floor holding his knee & writhing in pain. Recent history (& common sense) tell us that they need him healthy to have a chance at advancing in the playoffs. That was crazy to me. He did look great in OT after getting a chance to sit down and collect himself tho
That lob was really ridiculous, I couldn’t believe it happened. They were trying to kill him I guess….kkkk