Nikola Jokic is predicted 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 crew’s damage report, which signifies he’s out there for the sport. 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 damage earlier this 12 months. With different gamers lacking time, the crew has relied on him to maintain the offense regular as they transfer by way of a busy stretch of the schedule.
Nikola Jokic wholesome after knee damage 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 towards the Miami Heat. The damage saved him out for a couple of 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 are not 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 sport due to a hamstring pressure and is predicted to stay out till a minimum of 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 lately returned after coping with a hamstring problem and is predicted to play.Because of these accidents, Denver might rely extra on different gamers. Tim Hardaway Jr. has averaged 23.2 factors over the past 20 video games. Christian Braun may additionally play a bigger function within the beginning group. If Murray is cleared, he would be a part of Jokic, Gordon, Cameron Johnson, and Braun within 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 sport with its personal damage issues. Jalen Williams is out with a hamstring damage. Isaiah Hartenstein will miss the sport with a calf contusion, and Branden Carlson is out due to a again downside.Chet Holmgren is listed as questionable due to sickness. Alex Caruso can be coping with a hip problem. These accidents scale back the Thunder’s depth within the frontcourt heading into the matchup with Denver.
Game may have an effect on Western Conference standings
The recreation has significance for each groups within the Western Conference standings. Denver enters with a 39-25 document, whereas Oklahoma City is close to the highest 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 quick within the frontcourt, Denver Nuggets may rely closely on Jokic inside. His function stays central to the Nuggets’ offense, each as a scorer and a passer. Denver’s present rotation contains Nikola Jokic, Murray, Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson, Aaron Gordon, Tim Hardaway Jr., Brown Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas.
