NBA MVP candidate Nikola Jokic is questionable for the Denver Nuggets’ matchup in opposition to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday evening. “The Joker” returned from a three-game absence as a result of proper calf tightness on Tuesday versus the Houston Rockets.
Jokic performed simply 25 minutes and completed with 14 factors, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, two steals and three blocks. A couple of basketball analysts have questioned if his damage is more severe than initially thought after his fairly subpar efficiency in opposition to the lowly Rockets.
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Nikola Jokic’s poor exhibiting couldn’t have come at a more unlucky time as Joel Embiid put up a 52-point explosion in opposition to the Boston Celtics. “The Process,” after that recreation, has grow to be the favourite to dethrone the Serbian for the coveted NBA MVP award.
The Denver Nuggets, nonetheless, have clinched the most effective document within the Western Conference after the Memphis Grizzlies misplaced to the New Orleans Pelicans. Nuggets coach Mike Malone would possibly select to close Jokic down till the playoffs begin.
Meanwhile, two-time NBA All-Star Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat can also be questionable for Thursday evening’s matchup in opposition to the Philadelphia 76ers. Adebayo is in peril of lacking his second recreation in Miami’s final three taking part in dates.
Adebayo sat out within the Heat’s 129-122 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on April 1 and then returned Tuesday evening to face the Detroit Pistons. His availability is iffy as he’s reportedly coping with a left quadricep tendon pressure.
The Miami Heat (42-27) are desperately attempting to chase the Brooklyn Nets (44-36) for the final assured playoff spot within the Eastern Conference. Adebayo’s absence, if he’s unavailable, will likely be significantly felt because the Heat should deal with main NBA MVP candidate Joel Embiid.
Cody Zeller is anticipated to be re-inserted into the beginning lineup if Bam Adebayo is unable to play.
Kyle Lowry: Left knee soreness; Injured since: January 20, 2023
Kyle Lowry has been coping with nagging knee soreness for almost two months already. It’s the explanation why he’s been a staple within the Miami Heat’s damage report.
He has been dominated questionable but once more because of the similar problem on Thursday evening in opposition to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Miami’s recreation in opposition to Philly would be the first evening of a back-to-back set, which suggests he’ll possible sit out in certainly one of these video games. The Heat will go to the Washington Wizards on Friday.
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has modified the 2019 NBA champ’s position within the staff. He has grow to be an enormous a part of the staff’s bench for a number of weeks already. Lowry continues to supply glorious management and playmaking each time he’s obtainable.
Max Strus and Gabe Vincent are anticipated to get more minutes if the previous NBA All-Star is unavailable.
Tyrese Maxey: Neck stiffness; injured since: April 4, 2023
Tyrese Maxey is without doubt one of the NBA’s rising abilities. He didn’t carry out that means on Tuesday in opposition to the Boston Celtics. Philly’s younger level guard performed 40 minutes however scored simply 5 factors, his lowest output this season.
The Philadelphia 76ers have dominated him questionable tonight as a result of neck stiffness in opposition to the Miami Heat. He may need performed via it versus the Celtics, which led to his surprisingly poor exhibiting.
The 76ers will likely be taking part in the primary recreation of a back-to-back set in opposition to the Heat. If he’s not obtainable tonight, he could possibly be again on the roster for Friday evening in Atlanta.
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