Report: Jokic expected to return vs. Clippers

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic plans to return to the starting lineup Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.

The center has been sidelined since Dec. 29 with a hyperextended left knee, which he sustained in a game versus the Miami Heat.

Jokic had been producing another MVP-caliber season prior to his injury. He's fifth in the league in scoring at 29.6 points per game on 60.5% shooting from the field. He's also averaging a career-high 11.0 assists and 12.2 rebounds to go along with 16 triple-doubles.

Jokic sat out 16 games while recovering from his injury, marking the most contests he's missed in any season of his career. The Nuggets posted a 10-6 record in his absence.

Denver is managing injuries to several key contributors. Aaron Gordon is reportedly expected to miss four-to-six weeks after re-aggravating a hamstring strain, while Christian Braun (ankle) and Cameron Johnson (knee) have missed significant time dating back to November.