Nikola Jokić DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic returned to practice on Wednesday after head coach Michael Malone excused him from Tuesday's practice due to his All-Star responsibilities. The MVP favorite played 23 minutes in the All-Star game, contributing 13 points, four rebounds, and nine assists in the West's 211-186 loss to the East on Sunday. Jokic is expected to be fully prepared for the stretch run of the year, set to return at home against the Wizards tomorrow. He's maintaining impressive averages of 26.1 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 8.9 assists in 33.8 minutes per game this season.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (back) drew another questionable tag on Friday while he deals with lingering effects from lower back pain. The two-time MVP was forced to miss their last game on Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder and had to watch a five-point loss. Now, the Nuggets will take on a team at the opposite end of the standings in the Portland Trail Blazers. It wouldn't be surprising if the team just played it cautiously with Jokic, but he also hasn't had to miss much time throughout his career. If he remains on the sidelines for another game, Peyton Watson or DeAndre Jordan will enter the starting five. Jordan did not play in their last contest, so Watson, Christian Braun, and Zeke Nnaji saw some extra opportunities.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (back) is listed as out for Wednesday's matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Lower back pain will cause a rare absence for Jokic, who hasn't sat out since late November. The 28-year-old two-time MVP sounds to be day-to-day and hopes to return when the Nuggets host the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. Veteran DeAndre Jordan put on a vintage performance in a spot start when Jokic was out on Nov. 27 against the Los Angeles Clippers, posting 21 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block. Jordan sets up as a strong plug-and-play option as Denver's probable starting center in both DFS and season-long formats despite Chet Holmgren (ankle) suiting up for the Thunder.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (back) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Thunder. The reigning Finals MVP is dealing with lower back pain and might sit out only his second game of the season. Jokic's only previous absence came on Nov. 27 against the Clippers, when Denver completed a back-to-back. DeAndre Jordan got a start against his former team and had a big game with 21 points and 13 rebounds. It's unlikely he will repeat the effort on Wednesday if Jordan gets the call again.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (hip) is good to go for Tuesday's battle against the Philadelphia 76ers. Dealing with a strained left hip, Jokic has been upgraded from probable to available and hasn't missed a game since Nov. 27. The Joker is notching top-five fantasy numbers on averages of 25.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 9.3 assists, 1.0 triples, and 2.1 combined steals plus blocks this season and will duke it out with fellow MVP candidate Joel Embiid in Wednesday's clash. Make sure Jokic is in all season-long lineups for the start of Denver's five-game East Coast road trip against the Sixers.