Nikola Jokic is anticipated to play when the Denver Nuggets face the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 9, 2026. The three-time MVP will not be listed on the group’s injury report, which signifies he’s accessible for the recreation. His presence is essential for Denver, which has been coping with a number of accidents throughout the roster.Jokic has remained the middle of the Nuggets’ lineup since coming back from injury earlier this yr. With different gamers lacking time, the group has relied on him to maintain the offense regular as they transfer by a busy stretch of the schedule.
Nikola Jokic wholesome after knee injury earlier this season
Nikola Jokic returned in early February after recovering from a left knee bone bruise and hyperextension he suffered in late December 2025 in opposition to the Miami Heat. The injury stored him out for a few month earlier than he rejoined the lineup.In his first recreation again, Jokic recorded 31 factors and 12 rebounds. Since returning, he has continued to provide constant numbers. Over his final 20 video games, he has averaged 21.8 factors, 10.6 rebounds, and seven.2 assists. Those totals lead the Nuggets in all main classes.There aren’t any reported limits on his minutes for the Thunder recreation at Ball Arena. Betting projections presently record his scoring line at 27.5 factors.
Denver Nuggets coping with accidents round its star middle
Even although Nikola Jokic is out there, Denver Nuggets are nonetheless managing accidents elsewhere on the roster.Peyton Watson will miss the recreation due to a hamstring pressure and is anticipated to stay out till not less than March 11. Jamal Murray is listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain he suffered in Friday’s loss to the New York Knicks. Aaron Gordon just lately returned after coping with a hamstring concern and is anticipated to play.Because of these accidents, Denver could rely extra on different gamers. Tim Hardaway Jr. has averaged 23.2 factors over the final 20 video games. Christian Braun may additionally play a bigger position in the beginning group. If Murray is cleared, he would be a part of Jokic, Gordon, Cameron Johnson, and Braun in the lineup.
| Player | Status | Injury | Notes |
| Nikola Jokić | Available | None | Fully cleared, managing minutes |
| Jamal Murray | Questionable | Ankle | Tweaked vs. Knicks |
| Peyton Watson | Out | Hamstring | Through March 11 |
| Aaron Gordon | Probable | Hamstring (current) | Back in rotation |
Oklahoma City Thunder additionally lacking a number of gamers
Oklahoma City enters the recreation with its personal injury issues. Jalen Williams is out with a hamstring injury. Isaiah Hartenstein will miss the recreation with a calf contusion, and Branden Carlson is out due to a again drawback.Chet Holmgren is listed as questionable due to sickness. Alex Caruso can be coping with a hip concern. These accidents cut back the Thunder’s depth in the frontcourt heading into the matchup with Denver.
Game may have an effect on Western Conference standings
The recreation has significance for each groups in the Western Conference standings. Denver enters with a 39-25 document, whereas Oklahoma City is close to the prime of the convention.Also learn: Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder injury report: Who’s playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (March 9, 2026)If Oklahoma City stays brief in the frontcourt, Denver Nuggets may rely closely on Jokic inside. His position stays central to the Nuggets’ offense, each as a scorer and a passer. Denver’s present rotation consists of Nikola Jokic, Murray, Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson, Aaron Gordon, Tim Hardaway Jr., Brown Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas.
