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NBA Rumors: Nikola Jokić Returns for Nuggets vs. Irving, Mavs after three-game absence | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors
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NBA Rumors: Nikola Jokić Returns for Nuggets vs. Irving, Mavs after three-game absence | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 8: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on November 8, 2024 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, user agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)

Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić returns to his team’s lineup Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks after missing the past three games for personal reasons.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Jokić and his wife Natalija Jokic recently welcomed their second child, a newborn son.

Shams Charania @Shams Charania

Sources: Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic – out since Nov. 10 for personal reasons – returns to the lineup tonight against the Dallas Mavericks (10 p.m. ET, ESPN). Jokic and his partner welcomed a newborn son on Thursday evening. pic.twitter.com/OVPsT0f6ET

The three-time NBA MVP is averaging 29.7 points, 13.7 rebounds and 11.7 assists this season.

His return is obviously a welcome sight for the Nuggets, who went 1-2 without him. Denver averaged just 92.0 PPG in its two losses.

Denver will play a Mavericks team that is without superstar Luka Dončić, who suffered a right wrist strain and will be reevaluated in a week, according to Charania.

Jokić’s last game was on November 10, when the Nuggets defeated the Mavs 122–120. Jokić posted a triple-double of 37 points, 18 rebounding and 15 assists, while Kyrie Irving dropped a game-high 43 points on 17 of 22 shooting.

Tip-off for this NBA Cup battle will take place at 10:00 PM ET at Ball Arena in Denver.