Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight vs the Los Angeles Lakers? Latest update on the Denver Nuggets star's injury report (March 5, 2026)

Nikola Jokic will play for the Denver Nuggets against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 5, 2026, at Ball Arena. The Nuggets’ latest injury report does not list Jokic, confirming he is available for the game.Denver enters the matchup with a 38-24 record and remains among the top teams in the Western Conference. Jokic has been the key figure in the Nuggets’ offense this season. The game also features Luka Doncic, who now leads the Lakers, setting up a meeting between two players known for producing triple-doubles.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets game preview (March 5, 2026)

The game starts at 10 p.m. ET and will stream on Amazon Prime Video. The teams have already met once this season.

Los Angeles won that game when Jokic was unavailable because of a knee issue.

Denver currently leads the league in scoring with 120.5 points per game. Jokic plays a central role in that production. He leads the NBA with 12.6 rebounds per game and also runs much of the offense from the center position. Jamal Murray provides scoring support and averages 25.7 points per game.The Lakers enter with a 37-24 record. Doncic leads the league with 32.4 points per game.

LeBron James continues to contribute with 21.6 points on average. One weakness for Los Angeles has been rebounding, where the team has struggled at times this season.

Nikola Jokic injury status vs Los Angeles Lakers (March 5, 2026)

Nikola Jokic is fully available for this game. He previously missed time earlier in the season because of a knee bone bruise suffered in December 2025.Since returning, Jokic has continued to produce across all categories. In recent games he has averaged around 28 to 29 points, more than 12 rebounds, and about 10 assists.

His passing and decision-making remain central to Denver’s offense.His presence will be important against the Lakers’ frontcourt. DeAndre Ayton averages 8.3 rebounds per game, and Denver may look to use Jokic inside to create scoring chances or draw extra defenders.

Denver Nuggets injury report (March 5, 2026)

Denver has several players listed on its injury report, though Jokic and Murray are available.

With Gordon and Watson unavailable, Denver will rely more on other frontcourt players.

Jonas Valanciunas and Zeke Nnaji are expected to provide minutes behind Jokic.

Key matchup in the game (March 5, 2026)

The focus of the game will be the matchup between Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic. Both players often record triple-doubles and control the offense for their teams.Denver Nuggets will need contributions from players such as Christian Braun on defense, especially with Gordon and Watson out. Jokic’s passing and scoring will remain the main factor for the Nuggets.Also read: Is Luka Doncic playing tonight vs the Denver Nuggets? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star's injury report (March 5, 2026)Ball Arena could also play a role. Denver will try to respond after losing the earlier meeting with the Lakers this season.