Nugget to Watch
At the heart of much of what the Nuggets do on Thursday night will be Serbian big man Nikola Jokic.
Fresh off a triple-double in his last game out against the San Antonio Spurs, Jokic’s threat will be very apparent to Milwaukee, but as one of the more unique centers of recent times that won’t make it any easier for them to stop him.
Jokic’s size should allow him to bully his way to baskets inside against the Bucks, but even if that option is taken away, the 22-year-old can influence the game with his passing and jump shooting.
For the season overall, Jokic is averaging 16.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
Defense remains a problem for the Nuggets’ young star, although there have been signs of significant improvement this season.
Regardless, Jokic provides Denver an option to play through that can’t easily be matched by any of their opponents from night to night.