Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals delivered exactly the kind of drama NBA fans crave—blown leads, buzzer-beating daggers, and one big man who looked completely unstoppable. The Denver Nuggets stole homecourt advantage from the Oklahoma City Thunder in the most heart-pounding way, and now all eyes are locked on Game 2. But before tip-off, fans are obsessing over one burning question: Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight?

Jokic turned in one of the most dominant playoff performances in NBA history in Game 1, and with the series on a knife’s edge, fans of both squads are holding their breath. Can the Joker suit up again and deliver another masterclass? Or is there any concern about his health following a grueling 42-point, 22-rebound outing?

Injury Report: Is Nikola Jokic Good to Go?

Let’s cut to the chase—Nikola Jokic is not listed on the injury report and is fully expected to play in Game 2. After the historic workload he carried in Game 1, there were minor whispers online about possible fatigue or post-game soreness, but those can be put to bed. Jokic is available, active, and according to team sources, more than ready to build on his playoff legend.

The Nuggets have a clean bill of health outside of rookie DaRon Holmes, who remains out for the season due to an Achilles injury. Holmes was never expected to play a major postseason role, so Denver enters this high-stakes matchup with essentially its full rotation intact. Head coach David Adelman emphasized pre-series how critical continuity would be, and the Nuggets are fortunate to be one of the few remaining playoff teams not battling through multiple nagging injuries.

Top Stories

Respect Pours In for Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley After $200,000 Announcement

Lakers’ Gabe Vincent Dishes on LeBron James, Luka Doncic’s Sacrifices, Role on the Team and More (Exclusive)

Victor Wembanyama Doesn’t Hold Back Against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander After Spurs-Thunder NBA Cup Semi-Finals

Caitlin Clark Announces Final Decision on Project B, Addresses Lockout Stance in CBA Talks

NBA Fans Call Out Prime After Widespread Broadcast Issues During Knicks-Magic Game

As for Jokic, his Game 1 performance was utterly absurd: 42 points, 22 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks—while dealing with foul trouble and facing a swarming Thunder defense. He became just the fourth player in NBA history to post a 40/20/5 stat line in a playoff game, and he did it against the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed on the road. No lingering pain, no excuses. Jokic is locked in.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma City also remains healthy, outside of Nikola Topic, OUT due to a left knee surgery, per the NBA’s latest injury report. The Thunder’s young core is intact, and they’re determined to bounce back from what many felt was a stolen victory by Denver. But while OKC may have energy on their side, the Nuggets boast something more potent: playoff scars, experience, and Nikola Jokic.

Thunder’s Reality Check: A Test of Greatness

Game 1 was a gut punch for Oklahoma City. They led for 37 of the 48 minutes, built multiple double-digit leads, and still walked away with a loss. Chet Holmgren’s missed free throws, a final-minute collapse, and Aaron Gordon’s walk-off three-pointer flipped what could’ve been a comfortable series lead into a wake-up call.

Yet if there’s a silver lining for OKC, it’s that they controlled much of the game. They hit more threes, had more assists, and forced more turnovers than the Nuggets. Their bench also outperformed Denver’s second unit. But here’s the kicker: they got absolutely destroyed on the glass, losing the rebounding battle by 20 and surrendering 21 offensive boards.

That rebounding disparity, combined with Jokic’s dominance, ultimately proved fatal. Denver doesn’t need to dominate every category to win—they just need Jokic to be Jokic and for one other player (like Gordon or Jamal Murray) to step up in the clutch. OKC, on the other hand, has to be nearly flawless.

There’s no bigger force in this series right now than Nikola Jokic. Fully healthy and fully locked in, the reigning Finals MVP is the most terrifying playoff opponent imaginable. While Game 2 is a must-win for the Thunder, the Nuggets know how to close and know how to win ugly. Jokic isn’t just playing tonight—he’s coming in ready to bury OKC in a 2-0 hole before the series heads back to Denver.