Nuggets star Nikola Jokic is missing the third game in a row for personal reasons

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Denver Nuggets star center Nikola Jokic was ruled out Tuesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies, the third straight game he missing for personal reasons.

7-foot, three-time Most Valuable Player leads the Nuggets in points (29.7), rebounds (13.7) and assists (11.7). Denver has lost its last two games – against New Orleans Friday and Memphis on Sunday — without Jokic.

The Nuggets play one more game in Memphis before returning to Denver.

Coach Michael Malone was noncommittal about whether Jokic would be available for Friday’s home game against Dallas.

“I have no idea about Friday,” Malone said in his pregame remarks Tuesday. “Obviously no news from Denver. So we’ll get back to that when we get home.”

The Nuggets have struggled during Jokic’s absence.

In Sunday’s loss, the Grizzlies out-rebounded the Nuggets, including 10 offensive rebounds. Denver committed 15 turnovers and shot 41.7%. Beyond Jokic is Denver playing without forward Aaron Gordonanother key piece to the Nuggets’ offense.

“We shouldn’t be playing a different way,” Malone said of not having Jokic. “Obviously, you don’t have a three-time MVP. I think we have to play harder. It had to be with Nikola or without Nikola. I think we need to play more physical.”

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