Jokić`s absence didn`t hinder the Nuggets, who defeated the Rockets, while his MVP candidacy remains strong.

Nikola Jokić, the Serbian superstar of the Denver Nuggets, missed his fourth consecutive game due to a left ankle impingement and an elbow injury. Despite his absence, the Nuggets secured a hard-fought 116-111 victory over the Houston Rockets, maintaining their third-place standing in the Western Conference with a 45-27 record.

Coach Michael Malone remains optimistic about Jokić`s return, indicating that he expects the MVP contender to play during the upcoming five-game homestand in Denver. However, he will not be available for the game against the Chicago Bulls on Monday. Currently, the Nuggets are positioned just one game behind the second-seeded Rockets and one game ahead of the fourth-seeded Los Angeles Lakers.

Jokić has been having an outstanding season, averaging a triple-double with 29.1 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game, solidifying his status as a strong MVP candidate alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Nuggets will look to continue their momentum as they navigate the final stretch of the season.

For more details on Jokić`s injury and the Nuggets` performance, check out this Nikola Jokić update and the NBA insights.

#Nuggets,#Jokić,#NBA,#MVP,#Rockets