Suspense in the Six: The Toronto MRI
The Denver Nuggets have touched down in Toronto for their New Year’s Eve matchup against the Raptors. However, the focus has shifted away from Scotiabank Arena and squarely toward a medical facility across the city. After suffering a frightening knee hyperextension in Miami on Monday night, Nikola Jokic is undergoing a high-stakes MRI on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
As a result, the league finds itself holding its breath. While the Nuggets prepare for game night, the franchise’s immediate future hinges on a single diagnostic scan.
How the Injury Happened
The injury unfolded during a defensive sequence, when teammate Spencer Jones accidentally stepped on Jokic’s left foot, pinning it in place as his upper body continued forward. Consequently, the awkward positioning caused Jokic’s knee to buckle under force, immediately raising alarm.
In general, contact injuries are viewed as less dangerous than non-contact incidents when it comes to total ligament failure. Nevertheless, the severity of the visible hyperextension has left the organization operating in what team insiders describe as “cautious anxiety.”
Injury Severity: Three Potential Realities
Meanwhile, medical experts have begun outlining possible outcomes. According to Dr. Brian Sutterer, the initial “questionable” designation is a mildly encouraging sign. Still, the MRI will ultimately determine whether the damage is limited to soft-tissue irritation or something more structurally concerning.
| Outcome | Possible Diagnosis | Estimated Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Best Case | Bone Bruise / Grade 1 Sprain | 1–3 Weeks |
| Moderate | Grade 2 Sprain / Meniscus Tear | 4–8 Weeks |
| Worst Case | ACL / Structural Rupture | Season-Ending |
At the same time, head coach David Adelman emphasized patience over urgency.
“He’s a special person and a special player,” Adelman said. “We’ll get the definitive answers and move forward as a family.”
Survival Mode: A Depleted Depth Chart
Regardless of the MRI outcome, the Nuggets (22–10) are already navigating their most challenging stretch of the season. If Nikola Jokic is sidelined, Denver would be without four primary rotation players:
- Nikola Jokic (Knee – Awaiting MRI)
- Aaron Gordon (Hamstring – Out until Jan)
- Christian Braun (Ankle – Out indefinitely)
- Cameron Johnson (Knee – Out 4-6 weeks)
In the interim, Jonas Valanciunas is expected to anchor the paint. Meanwhile, Jamal Murray’s usage rate is projected to spike sharply as he assumes full control of the offense. As a consequence, Denver’s margin for error narrows significantly.
The 65-Game MVP Tracker
Beyond team survival, individual legacy is also in play. Currently, Jokic’s historic season—averaging 29.9 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 11.1 assists—is officially on the NBA’s 65-game eligibility clock.
- Games Played: 32
- Games Remaining: 50
- Absences Allowed: 17
In a best-case scenario, Jokic returns quickly and remains comfortably eligible for MVP and All-NBA honors. Conversely, a moderate recovery timeline would leave him with virtually no flexibility for rest across the remainder of the 2025–26 season.
Nuggets Medical Pulse
Finally, the Nuggets are expected to release a formal update either late tonight or early Wednesday morning. Until then, Denver remains in full “next man up” mode as it prepares to face a Raptors squad dealing with frontcourt issues of its own.
For now, uncertainty reigns—both in Toronto and across the Western Conference.
