For the Nuggets, the headliner for Friday's game is the availability of their superstar center Nikola Jokić who returned from a five-game absence on Wednesday against the Bucks. The good news for Denver is that Jokić is listed as probable for Friday's home game and he is expected to play despite dealing with a lingering ankle injury.

The Denver Nuggets should be getting their Serbian superstar back soon. Nikola Jokic, who has missed the last four games, is expected to return to the lineup during the team's upcoming six-game homestand. Denver coach Michael Malone said as much prior to Denver's 116-111 win against the Houston Rockets on Sunday, which Jokić sat out.

Over the last week, Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 48 points on the Pistons (and Cade Cunningham), then followed up with 31 (and eight assists vs. one turnover) on the Bucks (and Giannis Antetokounmpo). Both were victories and in those games against two players on the Kia MVP Ladder and he was the most important player on the floor.

With two of their better players out and playing their third game in four nights, the Nuggets couldn't keep pace with the running Bulls.

Following a recent victory over the Houston Rockets, Coach Michael Malone confirmed that Jokić is anticipated to play at some stage during the upcoming five-game homestand. Malone mentioned, "He's going to play in Denver,

The Houston Rockets (46-25) host the Denver Nuggets (44-27) on Sunday at Toyota Center in a game that has significant implications for playoff seeding. The Rockets enter the game in second place in the Western Conference two games ahead of the Nuggets,

Nikola Jokić had a 39-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double to lead the Denver past short-handed Milwaukee, 127-117.

For instance, in their absence against the Lakers, the Nuggets struggled to find rhythm and cohesiveness on the court. The lack of offensive power led to missed opportunities and an inability to keep pace with the Lakers, underlining the harsh reality of relying on star players.