Nikola Jokic Wrist Woes Jeopardize Nuggets MVP Run

Merlin sees Nikola Jokić playing at an MVP level while dealing with a right wrist, shooting-hand injury that began after the Feb. 19 Clippers game. Marc J. Spears reported Jokić has been "certainly not quite himself" and warned "if he misses a couple more games, he's not going to be available for awards." League rules require 65 games for award eligibility; Jokić has missed 16 of Denver's 58 and now has a one-game cushion. Merlin notes the Joker remains brilliant on the stat sheet, with a 35-20-12 triple-double and a 32-9-7 outing with four steals recently, though turnovers are up to 4.33 and the wrist could be a factor. Denver sits in a crowded Western race where one absence could flip seeding or force the play-in. His availability will decide both MVP chances and the Nuggets' playoff path.