Nikola Jokic Eyes January Comeback From Knee Sprain For Nuggets

Nikola Jokić is aiming to return from a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise as soon as the end of January, per Shams Charania, while The Athletic reports the Nuggets are "optimistic" for mid-February at the latest. Team sources say he is "well underway in his rehabilitation and has been able to be aggressive with it." Denver is 24-12 but in "survival mode" with multiple starters hurt since Jokić left on Dec. 29. Merlin sees the Nuggets trying to tread water until their engine returns. Those roughly 20 games before any comeback will decide seeding and momentum. Coach David Adelman’s goal is simple: win enough now so Denver wakes up in February "still in the top six." If rehab stays steady, the title picture brightens quickly.