The Denver Nuggets opted to rest all five of their starters against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday as they look to prepare for the NBA playoffs.
While the move is a smart one strategically, it means Nuggets star Nikola Jokic must play at least 20 minutes in the regular season finale against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday in order to reach the 65-game requirement needed for awards and All-NBA honors.
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Jokic is having a standout season and is once again a top-three candidate to take home the MVP trophy. He’s averaging 27.8 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.9 assists per game while shooting 56.7% from the floor and 37.9% from beyond the arc.
He’s led the Nuggets to a 52-28 record so far while securing a top-six seed in the Western Conference. Jokic has been in a tight race with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama for the MVP.
While he may not win, he’s expected to be named to an All-NBA team. He was listed out for Friday’s game due to right wrist injury management, almost certainly a formality to give him a rest night.
If he wants to make an All-NBA team, he’ll need to suit up on Sunday.
James Parker contributed to this story.
