Two superstars, the faces of their respective talents, and both top ten talents in the world, Kawhi Leonard and Nikola Jokic, are available tonight. Leonard was questionable with a knee contusion, just like the last few contests, but Jokic, on the other hand, will be playing his first game since a devastating knee injury that took him out on December 29, over a month ago.
Denver's Nikola Jokic – out since Dec. 29 with a knee injury – plans to return tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers at home, sources tell ESPN. Jokic now is in position to also play in Sunday's showdown vs. Oklahoma City in Denver and be eligible for the season awards. pic.twitter.com/2Y6bncli50
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 30, 2026
Originally, the stakes for the LA Clippers were fair. There was history that changed recently between the two franchises in the first round of the 2025 playoffs, yet the fierceness and dire need to win with a chip on their shoulder would not have been there unless Jokic and Co. were all on the floor.
Well, the Denver Nuggets are somewhat healthy, alright, and right before the Clippers’ eyes is a regular-season game that turned into a playoff-redemption matchup, as well as a legitimate test to the roster's changed mentality from earlier in the season.
The Clippers will be measured against one of the best teams in the Western Conference.
The LA Clippers would like to believe they are among the best teams in the Western Conference, and despite receiving vindication from their recent 16-3 winning stretch, the Denver Nuggets are the ideal opponent to push them to the limit.
Along with Nikola Jokic being active, Jamal Murray and Jonas Valanciunas are probable. This gives Denver a complete center rotation, and their all-star-level point guard, the Clippers will be focused on containing to the max.
Still, the Nuggets will be short of Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cameron Johnson
Moreover, tonight is the night for Ivica Zubac to prove to the Clippers that he is valuable. They have reportedly declined offers on him that contained draft capital, and following the pressure Jokic brings to the court, the Croatian Star must take control of the show.
Additionally, with Zubac performing on the road, the Clippers do not need 30 points and 20 rebounds. They need hustle, energy, and big-play stopping from their cherished big man.
If Jokic is limited offensively, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden can soar on all three levels against a Nuggets rotation that is likely fatigued from a four-point win yesterday against the Brooklyn Nets.
That said, this contest against the Nuggets is very reminiscent of the Clippers' matchup against the Toronto Raptors. Both were must-win situations on a Friday night, and though they defeated Toronto, it is time for LA to do it again, which would spoil Jokic’s return.