DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 18: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 18, 2021 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images

Nikola Jokic Ruled out for Nuggets vs. Rockets with Illness

Erin WalshMar 4, 2022

Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Houston Rockets with a non-COVID-related illness, the team announced.

Jokic also missed time earlier this season with a wrist injury suffered in a Nov. 18 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. In addition, he suffered a right knee contusion in a loss to the Utah Jazz on Oct. 26 and returned to the court on Oct. 29 without missing too much time.

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The 26-year-old is averaging 25.4 points, 13.8 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game while shooting 56.7 percent from the field, following up a 2020-21 campaign in which he was named MVP.

He averaged 26.4 points on 56.6 percent shooting, 10.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game last season.

With Jokic sidelined, Jeff Green and DeMarcus Cousins should see more playing time on Friday.

The Nuggets are 36-26 on the season, sixth place in the Western Conference. Jokic's illness isn't cause for concern, and he should return to the lineup soon.