Nikola Jokic out vs. Rockets with non-COVID illness

Jokic is making a heavy push for his 2nd straight Kia MVP award with 25.4 points, 13.8 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game.

From NBA.com News Services

March 5, 2022 1:37 AM

Nikola Jokic is having another incredible season in Denver.

Reigning Kia NBA MVP Nikola Jokic missed Friday’s game against the Rockets with what the Nuggets listed as a non-COVID illness.

For tonight:

Nikola Jokic (non-Covid illness) is OUT
Zeke Nnaji (bilateral knee soreness) is OUT
Austin rivers (non-Covid illness) is OUT

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) March 5, 2022

Jokic had played in 56 of Denver’s previous 62 games. He is averaging 25.4 points, 13.8 rebounds, 7.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.7 blocks to lead the Nuggets in all five categories.

Former All-Star DeMarcus Cousins filled in ably for Jokic, scoring 31 points on 14 shots for his highest point total since Jan. of 2018, when he piled up 44 for New Orleans against the Bulls.