The Nuggets took a hard hit at home, losing to the Boston Celtics in a game that could’ve been a classic. Honestly, it would’ve been awesome to see a full-blown showdown, but without Nikola Jokic, it just wasn’t the same. Imagine what it could’ve been if the reigning MVP was on the floor—it would’ve been like a blockbuster movie, but the star was missing! Without the Joker, Denver couldn’t match the Celtics’ firepower.

This Wednesday night, the Nuggets will face off against the LA Clippers in Colorado. Michael Malone and Co. will be bringing the heat on their home court but once again without their star big man Nikola Jokic. He has been ruled out because of an illness. This marks only the 5th time this season he’s missed a game. It’s the same illness that kept him on the bench for Tuesday’s Celtics game. He is undoubtedly the heart of the Nuggets team. With him on the floor, the Nuggets’ net rating is 4.1, without him? -5.6.

As Michael Malone said, when the Serb’s not on the floor, “I pray. That’s what I do.”

Jokic is absolutely tearing it up this season. In 31 games, he’s dropping 31.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, and nearly 10 assists per game. But wait, it doesn’t stop there—he’s also snagging 1.7 steals while shooting a ridiculous 55.4% from the field. Oh, and he’s not just inside the paint—Jokic is hitting 47.7% from three-point range.

Seriously, this guy’s putting up numbers like he’s in a video game. Without him, the Nuggets aren’t the same.

Nikola Jokic is equal to two players for the Nuggets

The Nuggets are a different team when Jokic is on the court. Their offense goes from good to elite, with an average of 122.6 points, 45.5 rebounds, and 32.3 assists per game. They also shoot 50.3% from the field and 38.7% from three.

Without Jokic, those numbers take a straight nosedive. In the four games he missed this season, the Nuggets only managed 103.0 points, 42.3 rebounds, and 25.0 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 44.7% from the field and 32.9% from beyond the arc.

His absence leaves a more than noticeable gap, especially on offense, where the Nuggets lose their flow and struggle to execute.

It’s not just when Jokic is missing from the lineup that things get rocky. When he’s on the bench too, they feel the impact immediately. Their offense starts to fall apart, even though their defense remains about the same. Jokic’s presence on the floor is what keeps the ship steady. With a net rating of 11.0, an offensive rating of 124.2, and a defensive rating of 113.2, he’s clearly the engine driving the team.

The Nuggets, as a whole, only have a 3.1 net rating, with a 116.9 offensive rating and a 113.8 defensive rating for the season. Jokic’s 37.1 minutes per game show just how crucial he is, and when he’s not out there, Denver’s entire game plan starts to unravel.

When Jokic is on the court, the Nuggets are 19-12, and his impact is undeniable. He’s not just a piece of the puzzle; he’s the centerpiece. Losing his 31.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the leadership, vision, and control he brings to every possession. Jokic is the backbone of the Nuggets’ offense, and it’s no wonder they struggle without him.

The drop-off is real, and it’s clear that Denver’s success relies on having him on the floor.