NBA Injury Update: Jokic Expected to Return by Late January, Trae Young to be Reassessed After All-Star Weekend

On January 15th Beijing time, reporter Shams provided the newest updates regarding Jokic and Trae Young’s injuries.

Jokic Expected to Return by Late January

Shams reported that Nuggets star Jokic has already returned to team training, with his rehabilitation progressing perfectly on track and even a bit ahead of expectations. He is scheduled to rejoin games by the end of this month, consistent with the team's original four-week recovery estimate.

The Nuggets are optimistic about Jokic’s return by the end of January. His recovery is going smoothly and quickly. If he returns as planned, it will give him a chance to compete for regular season awards such as MVP and All-NBA honors.

Overall, Jokic’s recovery is promising news both for himself and the Denver Nuggets organization.

So far this season, Jokic has played 32 games for the Nuggets, averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11 assists per game. The Nuggets currently hold a 27-13 record, ranking 3rd in the Western Conference.

Young to be Reassessed After All-Star Weekend

Washington Wizards newcomer Trae Young is still recovering from injuries to his right medial collateral ligament and quadriceps. His progress will be re-evaluated after the All-Star Weekend in mid-February. The Wizards are taking a cautious approach regarding the recovery of this key player acquired via trade.

Previously, the Hawks traded away the 27-year-old star who had been with the team for over seven seasons and was considered the franchise face, receiving CJ McCollum and Cory Kispert in return.

Trae Young has appeared in only 10 games this season, averaging 28 minutes per game with 19.3 points, 8.9 assists, and 1.5 rebounds, shooting 41.5% from the field and 30.5% from three-point range. He was named to the All-NBA team in the 2021-22 season and has career averages of 25.2 points and 9.8 assists per game. Last season, he led the league with 11.6 assists per game.

Currently, the Wizards are on a three-game losing streak with a record of 10-28, placing them 14th in the Eastern Conference. Since their first-round playoff exit in the 2020-21 season, the Wizards have not made the postseason again.