Jokic has also been dealing with an elbow issue that has contributed to the Nuggets' continued decisions to rest him. Jamal Murray, Jokic's co-star during the team's championship run a couple of years ago, missed the first two games of the three consecutive contests that Jokic has sat out.

So far, without Jokic, the Nuggets have a 1-2 record, including two blowout losses to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers. Jokic's return to the lineup would do wonders, but it wouldn't solve all of Denver's problems.