Northwestern notes: Jokic, Collins, Filipowski, Flagler

Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic has been ruled out for Friday’s game in New Orleans – Denver’s first NBA Cup game – for personal reasons, which Bennett Durando of The Denver Post writes.

The Nuggets have a +11.3 net rating in Jokic’s 381 minutes on the court this season, compared to a -28.5 in the 109 minutes he hasn’t played. Although it doesn’t bode well for tonight’s contest, they will face a cracking Pelicans team that is missing six rotation players so it’s still a winnable game.

Zeke Nnaji, Dario Saricand DeAndre Jordan is among the candidates to play frontcourt minutes in Jokic’s absence.

Here’s more from across the North West:

• Although some of John Collins‘ numbers, including an identical 37.1% three-point rate, are similar to those he posted last season, the veteran big looks more comfortable so far in his second season with Jazzaccording to Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribunepointing to Collins’ increased usage rate, improved assist rate and better on/off numbers as positive signs. After deploying him as their starting center for most of last season, the Jazz are using Collins more as a power forward — primarily off the bench — this fall, and the role seems to suit him better, Larsen said. Collins is probably still not a positive trade asset, but his value is moving in the right direction, adds Larsen.
• Jazz rookie Kyle Filipowski played well in his fourth career start Thursday, registering 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting and holding his own when lit Luka Doncic, writes Larsen. Of the six players Utah has drafted over the past two seasons, Filipowski was the lowest pick (No. 32 overall in 2024), but he has looked like the group’s promising prospect so far this season, Larsen claims.
• Former Baylor standout Adam Flaglerthat has been in Thunder‘s system, since turning pro in 2023, has logged just 25 total minutes in seven appearances at the NBA level since signing a two-way contract in February, but he continues to develop in the G League, where he has become a leader season for Oklahoma City Blue, per Rylan Stiles of SI.com. “I’ve always been a guy who’s led by example, but wants to be more vocal, especially for the team,” Flagler said. “Being here for a second year now and knowing what to expect, it’s big for me to put guys in their place and let them know they’re not out there alone.”