Lord, save the Nuggets! 3rd in the seed, but their recent performance in no way justifies where they sit. Sometimes they look good enough to beat the number one side, and then there are days they might crumble to a college side. And what adds to the worry is, all of these happened in the last few games. Their problem? Recurring injuries have been their Achilles heel this season, and it might cost the Nikola Jokic side a real shot at the second title. It doesn’t look to get plain sailing anytime soon, though, as Denver has published a worrying injury report for tonight’s game against the Bucks, and you wouldn’t like knowing the name.

The worry seems, Shell’s fuel stock for the season has been running on fumes, as Aaron Gordon hasn’t been flying his usual colors. His shooting has been above the 50% mark since his move to the Mile-High City at the turn of the decade. Apart from the first season, his health and fitness have been of the least concern for GM Calvin Booth and Michael Malone. That clock, though, as averaging 72 appearances three seasons running, didn’t even have Gordon breaking a sweat. But what is the status now?

Enter the current season. A right calf strain sidelined him for weeks, and then an added headache, a mild left ankle sprain. That calf was to be a thorn in his side. He hasn’t even been able to surpass 50 appearances by the start of April. Before the injury, he had been averaging 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.

Fast forward to March, and Aaron’s put in blinders against playoff rivals like the Rockets (13/4/8), Warriors (38/6/3), and Lakers (26/11), carrying his team to victories in full stride. But he’s missed their last game against the Bulls due to the same calf. According to ESPN, the Nuggets have listed him as questionable to make an appearance tonight. But is it the end of the worry?

That’s not the worst news in the world, though. They do have Jamal Murray and Russell Westbrook available, whereas Christian Braun is also listed as probable, due to a foot issue. But you know what is the worst for the Nuggets? Nikola Jokic. But there’s a ray of hope.

Nikola Jokic’s availability for the Bucks clash doubtful

With an average of 29.1 points, there’s no doubt about what importance Nikola Jokic holds for the Denver Nuggets. Sitting 3rd in the stats list, it is enough to say why the Nuggets need him back, but this month might’ve been an ultimatum for that run, as he’s missed the last 5 games on the bounce due to a persisting ankle problem.

The Joker’s ankle injury has him listed as probable for the game against Milwaukee tonight. The Bucks have been one of his favorite opponents for sure, averaging 32 points and 10 assists while shooting a ridiculous 81.3% from the field and every other shot from the 3-pointer line. But if the doctors value his health come playoff season, they’ll put all their money on the rest of the squad turning up for their fans at the Ball Arena instead.

Jokic was seen nursing that injury during games as well. Maybe the doctors called it a day on him, limping week in and week out. Denver might’ve jumped the hurdles without hesitation in his absence, but who’s to say what the future holds? Their ability to win games without him has been in question all season, but they might’ve just proved the doubters wrong after winning 3 of those 5.

Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon’s potential absence will be tough against a quality Bucks side. They might’ve had a shaky last 10 with a 4-6 record, but you’d be a fool to take anything away from them. Who do you think will come out victorious tonight?