Nuggets Reeling Nikola Jokic Ruled Out

Nikola Jokić suffered a left knee injury Monday against the Miami Heat and has been ruled out after appearing to step on teammate Spencer Jones's foot. The three time MVP was enjoying an MVP caliber season, averaging 29.9 points while leading the league with 12.4 rebounds and 11.1 assists and shooting 60.4 percent from the field and 44 percent from three. He had 56 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists on Christmas Day. Denver was already without Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun, leaving Jamal Murray as the only regular starter on the floor when Jokić left. Merlin sees Denver at a crossroads. Jonas Valančiūnas can soak up minutes but cannot reproduce Jokić's blend of passing, scoring and gravity. The Nuggets will be tested on depth and defense, and their title tilt depends on how long the knee keeps the oracle sidelined and how well the bench answers the call.