Jokić Questionable, Dončić Sidelined: Nuggets-Mavericks to Face Off in NBA Cup Clash

Jokić, the reigning three-time MVP, missed Thursday’s practice for personal reasons, leaving his availability for the pivotal group-stage game in doubt. Nuggets head coach Michael Malone said the team would reassess his status on Friday. Malone also confirmed that forward Aaron Gordon remains out with a right calf strain.

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“Aaron [Gordon] is still out, rehabbing,” Malone said after practice. “Nikola was not at work today, being with his family. We’ll see where things stand tomorrow.”

The Nuggets snapped a two-game losing streak with a 122-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, but Jokic’s absence has been evident. He leads the team in points (29.7), rebounds (13.7), and assists (11.7) this season. His most recent performance was against the Mavericks on Nov. 10, finishing with 37 points, 18 rebounds, and 15 assists in the 122-120 victory.

“Obviously, you don’t have a three-time MVP,” Malone said earlier this week. “But we have to play harder, be more physical, and find ways to win, no matter who’s on the court.”

Luka Dončić’s fellow Slovenian national team member, Vlatko Čančar, recently suffered a left knee sprain. He will not only be sidelined for Friday’s game but is still evaluating treatment options and could miss significant time. DaRon Holmes II is also out as he recovers from a right Achilles tendon surgery.

Mavericks Adjust Without Dončić

The Mavericks will be without Luka Dončić, who is sidelined with a right wrist sprain and will miss the team’s three-game road trip. Dallas, led by Kyrie Irving, is looking to build momentum after a 132-91 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday.

Dončić’s absence places additional pressure on Irving, who has thrived in similar situations. During his Mavericks career, Irving has averaged 29.4 points, 6.6 assists, and 5.0 rebounds in 12 games without Dončić. It doesn’t hurt that he scored 43 points in Denver earlier this month.

“Kyrie’s patience is key, whether he’s double-teamed or not,” Kidd explained. “We understand that patience. He knows when to involve his teammates and when to take the shot himself. His ability to read those situations and respond appropriately makes him crucial, especially when Luka is out. He’ll be ready for this challenge.”

A few perimeter players are strong candidates to shoulder more responsibility when Dončić is sidelined. As Danté Exum remains sidelined as he recovers from wrist surgery, Kidd mentioned Quentin Grimes and Jaden Hardy are expected to “pick up the slack” without Dončić.

Group Stage Implications

The Nuggets and Mavericks face tight competition in their respective NBA Cup groups. With each group game carrying added weight, Friday’s matchup could determine who advances to the knockout stage. While the Mavericks are 8-7 on the season, they are 1-1 in the NBA Cup standings, like Denver. The loser of this game will be in a bleak position to overcome and qualify if the Golden State Warriors, who lead Group C with a 2-0 record, defeat the injury-plagued Pelicans on Friday.

The Nuggets have leaned on Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. in Jokic’s absence, while Dallas will look to Irving and Klay Thompson to step up in Dončić’s stead.

Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT at Ball Arena.

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