NBA MVP candidate Nikola Jokic is questionable for the Denver Nuggets’ matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. “The Joker” returned from a three-game absence due to right calf tightness on Tuesday versus the Houston Rockets.
Jokic played just 25 minutes and finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and three blocks. A few basketball analysts have wondered if his injury is more serious than originally thought after his rather subpar performance against the lowly Rockets.
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Nikola Jokic’s poor showing could not have come at a more unfortunate time as Joel Embiid put up a 52-point explosion against the Boston Celtics. “The Process,” after that game, has become the favorite to dethrone the Serbian for the coveted NBA MVP award.
The Denver Nuggets, however, have clinched the best record in the Western Conference after the Memphis Grizzlies lost to the New Orleans Pelicans. Nuggets coach Mike Malone might choose to shut Jokic down until the playoffs start.
Meanwhile, two-time NBA All-Star Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat is also questionable for Thursday night’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. Adebayo is in danger of missing his second game in Miami’s last three playing dates.
Adebayo sat out in the Heat’s 129-122 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on April 1 and then returned Tuesday night to face the Detroit Pistons. His availability is iffy as he is reportedly dealing with a left quadricep tendon strain.
The Miami Heat (42-27) are desperately trying to chase the Brooklyn Nets (44-36) for the last guaranteed playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Adebayo’s absence, if he’s unavailable, will be greatly felt as the Heat will have to contend with leading NBA MVP candidate Joel Embiid.
Cody Zeller is expected to be re-inserted into the starting lineup if Bam Adebayo is unable to play.
Kyle Lowry: Left knee soreness; Injured since: January 20, 2023
Kyle Lowry has been dealing with nagging knee soreness for nearly two months already. It’s the reason why he’s been a staple in the Miami Heat’s injury report.
He has been ruled questionable yet again due to the same issue on Thursday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Miami’s game against Philly will be the first night of a back-to-back set, which means he will likely sit out in one of these games. The Heat will visit the Washington Wizards on Friday.
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has changed the 2019 NBA champ’s role in the team. He has become a big part of the team’s bench for several weeks already. Lowry continues to provide excellent leadership and playmaking whenever he’s available.
Max Strus and Gabe Vincent are expected to get more minutes if the former NBA All-Star is unavailable.
Tyrese Maxey: Neck stiffness; injured since: April 4, 2023
Tyrese Maxey is one of the NBA’s emerging talents. He didn’t perform that way on Tuesday against the Boston Celtics. Philly’s young point guard played 40 minutes but scored just five points, his lowest output this season.
The Philadelphia 76ers have ruled him questionable tonight due to neck stiffness against the Miami Heat. He might have played through it versus the Celtics, which led to his surprisingly poor showing.
The 76ers will be playing the first game of a back-to-back set against the Heat. If he’s not available tonight, he could be back on the roster for Friday night in Atlanta.