The Denver Nuggets face the Washington Wizards as Nikola Jokic remains sidelined with injury while Jonas Valanciunas nears a possible return.

Adelman described the state of Jokic’s recovery from a knee injury as “kind of up and down” before Denver hosted the Lakers. It was the team’s 12th game without him and 11th without either center. Valanciunas has been sidelined by a right calf strain. Jokic hyperextended his left knee, resulting in a bone bruise.

Emotion, passion and intensity marked the thrilling Christmas clash between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves – and controlling them made the difference. The more composed Nuggets escaped the Timberwolves in overtime, 142-138, behind Nikola ...