The Denver Nuggets, despite their overall record this season, are in a tricky situation with inconsistency being a prime cause lately. The Nikola Jokic side bounced back against the Milwaukee Bucks after a disappointing defeat against Chicago just a few nights earlier, but they have been on and off in their last 10 games. But credit the franchise star Nikola Jokic, who made the world take notice of his return to the hardwood. After missing five straight games, the Joker returned with a bang! The Nuggets’ big man dropped a stunning 39 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists game, completing a triple-double on the night. With this spectacular stat line, Jokic joined a special group of players who have recorded 30 triple-doubles in a season.

The other names alongside the Serbian are Russell Westbrook, Oscar Robertson, and Wilt Chamberlain. That’s some list! Well, now, the Nuggets will focus on their next task. Jokic and Co. will be up against a lowly Utah Jazz team and will look to get back-to-back wins. More importantly, tighten their grip on the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference over the Lakers. However, Jokic isn’t at his full fitness just yet. This begs the question: If Nikola Jokic plays tonight?

Denver Nuggets injury report before they clash with the Jazz

The Nuggets are a real threat to any team, and with Jokic’s solid comeback against the Bucks, they proved what they can be with their best side on the roster. However, the Joker is still dealing with the lingering knee that kept him out for so long in the first place. Unfortunately, he’s once again on the injury report. Jokic is questionable for tonight’s matchup against the Jazz at the Ball Arena. While this isn’t great news for the Denver fans hoping to see their favorite hooper tonight, there’s still a slight chance that he might play.

Needless to say, Jokic has been brilliant this season. The Denver center is averaging 29.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.3 assists. These stats speak volumes! About his importance to the team. However, is Nikola Jokic’s fitness the only worry for the Nuggets? No. The list is long, and their net best bet is under watch, too.

Denver could miss their No. 2 as Jamal Murray is listed as Questionable for tonight’s game. The Nuggets’ point guard is suffering from a right hamstring problem. He’s been the team’s go-to man after Jokic this season and not having him will be a cause of worry for the Nuggets. But again, the worry doesn’t end as they take on the Utah Jazz in their 75th game of the season.

The most notable absence apart from these could be of Christian Braun, who’s on day-to-day because of left foot strain. The 23-year-old Denver guard is amidst an impressive season! Averaging a healthy 15.1 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 57.3 percent from the field. Not having both Jokic and him might just be a massive blow for the Nuggets tonight. However, that’s not all! Power forward Aaron Gordon is also questionable for the game. He’s struggling with a calf/ankle injury and could miss tonight’s matchup against the Jazz. The 29-year-old has been an important member of the team, and it’s safe to say that the team is better with him on the court.

Another starter is on the report as Michael Porter Jr. joins the rest of the Nuggets’ superstars on the injury report. The Denver small forward is having a solid campaign and has been a regular player for the Nuggets. Unfortunately, he’s questionable for tonight due to a back problem and will be assessed before the tip-off. Lastly, two players who will surely not play tonight include guard Julian Strawther and DaRon Holmes II. Strawther is out for the next four weeks due to a knee injury; meanwhile, Holmes II is out with a right Achilles tendon injury. These two injuries just pile on Denver’s misery. Having said that, this makes to wonder how Denver HC Michael Malone will field a starting five tonight.

How will the Denver Nuggets line up tonight?

Denver is pretty hard-hit with injuries right and it won’t be a surprise if they come out without their entire starting five ahead of the tip-off at the Ball Arena. They are in need to win games and build a comfortable lead over LA and secure the third seed in the West. So, head coach Michael Malone will have to find a way to navigate through this list of injuries. Will he have enough resources to put a competitive starting five?

Here’s how the Nuggets could start:

Overall, this could unexpectedly be a close game with the number of injuries the Nuggets have. While the Jazz are a struggling side, they could see this as a window of opportunity to grab an unlikely win tonight. However, it’s hard to believe that Denver will be without their entire starting lineup up, so a few of the superstars will suit up against Utah. If they have the likes of Jokic on the court tonight, this should be an easy win for Denver, but never rule out anyone.