DENVER — The Denver Nuggets were without reigning MVP Nikola Jokic on Friday night against the Chicago Bulls because of a sprained right wrist.
Jokic, who sat courtside with his wrist in a brace, appeared to be hurt the night before in a home loss to Philadelphia. Coach Michael Malone said he didn’t believe the injury would sideline Jokic for long, but had no timetable for his return.
“I don’t think it’s going to be a long-term thing at all, but at the same time, I don’t want to put him out there if he can only play with one hand,” Malone said. “Unfair to ask him to do that. When he’s ready to play, he’ll play. That could be against Phoenix, that could be in a week. There’s no timeline at this point.”
Jokic is having another MVP-caliber season, averaging 26.4 points, 13.6 rebounds and 6.4 assists for the Nuggets, who travel to Phoenix to play the Suns on Sunday.
This was the second game Jokic has missed this season. He was out in a win over Indiana on Nov. 10 as he served a one-game suspension for his role in a fracas with Miami’s Markieff Morris.
The Nuggets, who were also without Jamal Murray (knee) and Michael Porter Jr. (back), lost 114-108 to the Bulls.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.