Here is a closer look at the history of matchups between the two, including potential games that either Embiid or Jokic were not available to play in.
Gilbert McGregor
Devonte' Graham still holds the top spot for his 2021 game-winner as The Sporting News presents the longest game-winners in NBA history.
The Russell Westbrook signing was initially panned, but it's been exactly what the Nuggets needed.
Stephen Noh
From Nikola Jokic to Luka Doncic, here are Steph Noh's leaders in the quest for the 2025 MVP award.
The trade that could get Zach LaVine to the Nuggets.
Nikola Jokic is doing things that have never been done before, and it could lead to him winning his fourth MVP in five years.
It's quite a challenge to turn Jokic into an even better player than he already is. Westbrook is doing that in Denver.
The league sent a fine Westbrook's way for an "obscene gesture" he made during the game.
Daniel Mader
Will Jokic be in the lineup Friday? Here is the latest on his status for Denver's next NBA Cup game.
Currently with the Denver Nuggets, number 200 for Westbrook came in a win against the Memphis Grizzlies
Jed Wells
The Nuggets forward is dealing with an injury early in the 2024-25 season. Here's what to know about Gordon's injury and when he could return.
The problems in Denver continue to mount and it will be difficult to solve them.
Here is a look at what may be impacting Jamal Murray's play over the past eight months.
Scottie Barnes got into it with a pair of Nuggets as the Raptors' pursued an upset win on Monday.
Dan Treacy
After their second round exit last season, the Denver Nuggets are primed to compete in the West in 2024-25
Benyam Kidane
Denver gave star guard Jamal Murray a massive extension Saturday. How much will he be paid, and how does it affect the team's cap space?
Russell Westbrook was traded to the Jazz earlier this offseason and waived by Utah, making him a free agent.
Bryan Murphy
If the Nuggets trade Michael Porter Jr. this offseason, here are the best destinations for him.
TSN's Steph Noh takes a close look at Denver's coming offseason.
Michael Malone lashed out after the Nuggets allowed the Timberwolves to complete a historic Game 7 comeback to eliminate Denver from the postseason.
Jacob Camenker
Can Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets eliminate Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves for the second straight season? Here's how to watch.
Marc Lancaster
With a marker sitting just below the charity stripe on both sides of the baskets, Denver pays tribute to the city it calls home.
David Suggs
Here's the time, TV schedule and live stream for Game 7 of the NBA Playoffs series between the Nuggets and Timberwolves.
Sarah Effress
Everything you need to know before an epic Game 7 matchup between the Nuggets and Wolves.
Nikola Jokic is very simple with his trash talk, even when he's proving he's the best player in the world.
Kyle Irving
Here's the time, TV schedule and live stream for Game 6 of the NBA Playoffs series between the Nuggets and Timberwolves.
Nobody in NBA history is stopping Nikola Jokic right now.
The Minnesota star had to give the 2024 MVP his flowers after a Game 5 win for Denver on Tuesday night.
Here's the time, TV schedule and live stream for Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs series between the Nuggets and Timberwolves.
Which team looks better poised to take an up-and-down series that is tied 2-2 after four games?
Jamal Murray clearly didn't think a 12-point halftime lead was enough, so he drained a halfcourt heave at the buzzer.
Brendan OSullivan
Here's the time, TV schedule and live stream for Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs series between the Nuggets and Timberwolves.
Jared Greenspan
Here is everything you need to know about Nuggets vs. Timberwolves, including TV and streaming options for Game 3.
When the "Inside the NBA" crew announced Nikola Jokic as the 2024 NBA MVP, Shaq was not happy.
Nikola Jokic is once again the best player in the NBA. How close is he to the best centers of all time?
Jamal Murray avoided suspension but picked up a hefty fine after his actions in Denver's Game 2 loss.
Jamal Murray let his frustration get the best of him as the Nuggets were getting routed by the Timberwolves in the first half of Game 2.
Jordan Greer
Here is everything you need to know about Nuggets vs. Timberwolves, including TV and streaming options for Game 2.
Here is everything you need to know about Nuggets vs. Timberwolves, including TV and streaming options for Game 1.
Minnesota's No. 1 ranked defense will be tested in the second round against Nuggets star Nikola Jokic.
Scott Rafferty
For the second time in the series, Jamal Murray hit a clutch bucket in the dying seconds to lift the Nuggets to victory.
TSN's Steph Noh breaks down everything you need to know for the Nuggets vs. Timberwolves series.
The Nuggets' 27-year-old point guard is dealing with a calf strain.
Kate Yanchulis
Time, TV schedule, live stream for Game 5 of 2024 NBA Playoffs series between Lakers and Nuggets
Here are the updated scores, results and bracket for the 2024 NBA Playoffs first-round series between Lakers and Nuggets.
Where to watch Game 4 of 2024 NBA Playoffs series between Lakers and Nuggets.
Here is everything you need to know about Lakers vs. Nuggets, including the tipoff time for Game 4.
TV channel, schedule, live stream for Game 3 of 2024 NBA Playoffs series between Lakers and Nuggets
Nikola Jokic is torching the Lakers yet again. Here's what has and hasn't worked so far.
The Nuggets beat the Lakers despite trailing for the majority of Monday's playoff matchup between the two squads.
Nikola Jokic took his talents from the NBA court to the small screen ahead of the release of "Despicable Me 4."
Time, TV schedule, live stream for Game 2 of 2024 NBA Playoffs series between Lakers and Nuggets
Nikola Jokic is featured in a Despicable Me 4 commercial that pins him as a Gru doppelganger.
Here's everything to know about Game 1 of the Lakers vs. Nuggets first round playoff series, including the TV schedule, and live stream info.
Here is everything you need to know about Lakers vs. Nuggets, including the tipoff time for Game 1.
We dive into the Nuggets-Lakers' opening-round series of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, providing the odds, stats, trends, and best bets to advance to the second round. It's a rematch of the 2023 Western Conference Finals! Let's make some money.
Sloan Piva
Can Denver's duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray continue their dominance over LA? Or will LeBron James and Anthony Davis turn the corner to dethrone the defending champs?
The Lakers and Nuggets are set to meet up in the playoffs for the second year in a row, this time in the first round. Will anything be different for LA?
Thanks to Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs, there will be a photo finish atop the Western Conference standings.
The Nuggets are skipping the tradition of visiting the White House to celebrate their championship, but Michael Malone is setting the record straight about the reason.
Nikola Jokic is best known for his passing, but he could also lead the league in scoring if he wanted to. Here's why he's the best scorer on the planet.
Steve Kerr seems to still hold the NBA's Christmas Day officiating of Warriors vs. Nuggets against Nikola Jokic.
Nikola Jokic has accomplished a triple-double feat that has only been done by LeBron James and Russell Westbrook in NBA history.
The Nuggets stars came through in the clutch yet again, lifting Denver to a 130-127 win over Golden State.
Jokic said the moment the ball left his hands, he knew it would be a game-winner.
Edward Sutelan
The Nuggets will be without Aaron Gordon for the near future after an unfortunate incident at home.
NBA.com
Here's one way Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets force defenses to make an impossible choice.
Serbian fans showed up to watch Nikola Jokic in Chicago. They got only 16 minutes of him before he was tossed from the game.
The Sporting News tracked live scoring updates and highlights from Lakers vs Nuggets.
The Nuggets' championship rings feature a host of intricate details, telling the story of the franchise.
What did the Nuggets say to upset the Lakers? Here are some of the things that came from Denver's camp this summer.
Who guards Nikola Jokic the best and the worst in the league? Looking at what has and hasn't worked in trying to slow the Nuggets star down.
Nikola Jokic will not suit up for his country at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Nikola Jokic and the defending champion Nuggets will take on LeBron James and the Lakers, while Kevin Durant and the Suns will take on Stephen Curry and the Warriors.
Dwight Howard was a dominant force in his prime and after 18 seasons in the NBA, he believes he should go down as top 10 center of all time.
As the Nuggets showed last year in bringing in Bruce Brown for a paltry $6.5 million, finding that one last bargain signing can make all of the difference.
Malone was living his best life as he celebrated with the fans in Denver.
Sam Jarden
After 47 years, the Nuggets finally earned an NBA title. And of course, they celebrated in style.
Stan Kroenke has gone from the public face of the Rams' St. Louis exit to a championship-winning owner in just a few years. Here's how he did it.
You'll be shocked to see how favorably the Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray duo stacks up alongside Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and yes — even Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
Micah Adams
Jokic was raised in Sombor, living with his parents, two brothers and grandmother in a small apartment and developing his passion for basketball as a young man.
Nikola Jokic just concluded an incredible run in the NBA Playoffs, leading the Nuggets to their first championship in franchise history. Where does this achievement place him among the greatest players to ever play the game?
Nikola Jokic isn't one for individual accolades, but he might want to find his Finals MVP trophy before Thursday's championship parade.
Here's what you need to know about the relationship between these Serbian champions: Novak Djokovic and Nikola Jokic.
Sara Tidwell
In the aftermath of the Nuggets' Game 5 win over the Heat, Jokić had a noteworthy celebration, from his humble on-court proceedings to his bout with the bottle of champagne.
Joe Rivera
Only one person could steal Nikola Jokic's shine on Monday night. It just happened to be his young daughter, Ognjena.
The Sporting News tracked highlights from the Nuggets' historic title-clinching victory.
The Denver head coach made it clear his team isn't going anywhere after a first-ever NBA title.
The Nuggets triumphed over the Heat in Game 5 to secure their first title in franchise history.
Adding to his two league MVPs, Nikola Jokic now adds a Finals MVP award to the trophy cabinet, along with an NBA championship.
Jimmy Butler wasn't able to go out quite the way he had hoped in Game 5, clanking shot after shot en route to a season-ending Heat loss.
The Nuggets have a great young core in Denver. How many of those guys can they keep around, who are they at risk of losing in free agency, and what avenues do they have to get even better?
The Denver Nuggets made history in their first-ever trip to the NBA Finals.
With championship wins comes legacy talk, and Jokic's run to the 2023 title is a legacy booster on a number of levels. Let's take a closer look.
Here's how Jamal Murray went from tearing his ACL to an NBA champion within two years.
Which NBA teams have still never won the NBA Finals? The Sporting News looks at the full list of the teams that the Nuggets leave behind.
DeAndre Jordan has accomplished plenty over the course of his 15-year career. One thing he hasn't pulled in, though? A championship ring. That could be changing soon.
Tyler Herro has played in just one playoff game for the Heat. He is expected to return from two broken fingers soon. What will that mean for the team and the reemergence of Duncan Robinson?
While the Heat have never lost confidence throughout their playoff run despite being a consistent underdog, they have encountered a different type of challenge in the NBA Finals.
After two consecutive losses, Miami must now win three straight games against Denver to earn an NBA title.
Jamal Murray didn't have it going as a scorer and Nikola Jokic delt with foul trouble, but Aaron Gordon stepped up for the Nuggets with his signature Finals performance to put Denver one win away from a championship.
Jokic appeared to land awkwardly on his right ankle contesting a rebound during the first quarter.
After spending the first seven seasons of his career with the Magic, a 2021 trade to the Nuggets set the wheels in motion for the high-flying defensive ace to play the perfect role on a championship team.
Gordon not only helped his team take a commanding 3-1 series lead, but also set a new playoff career high.
Multiple players noticed that the rim appeared to be slightly askew.
The 2014 NBA Draft featured two future MVP centers in Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid. If every team in the lottery got a do-over, this is how we think it plays out.
The stars are out once again as the Heat look to tie up their series against the Nuggets in South Beach.
The Nuggets engaged in a surprising trade of draft picks during the NBA Finals. Here are details of their trade with the Thunder:
Zac Al-Khateeb
Jamal Murray's playoff stats are drawing comparisons to the likes of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Stephen Curry. Despite no All-Star appearances, Murray suddenly finds himself square in the middle of the superstar discussion.
It's unclear how Adebayo first got injured, but he's been sporting a full shooting sleeve on his right arm for about half of the postseason.
Jamal Murray signed a five-year, $170 million max extension with the Nuggets back in 2019.
Based on all of his accomplishments, you probably won't be surprised to hear that Jokic is paid rather well.
Jamal Murray might have to play through a rather gruesome hand injury in Game 4 of the Finals.
Most conversations about Jokic's defense revolve around his limitations, but he did a few things in particular in Game 3 that gave the Heat trouble.
Nikola Jokic recorded the first 30-point, 20-rebound, 10-assist triple-double in NBA Finals history as the Nuggets defeated the Heat in Game 3.
Denver outscored the Heat 60-34 in the paint, as the Nuggets notched a series-steadying victory in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
Joseph Corr
Braun scored 11 of his 15 points in the second half, helping the Nuggets secure a crucial victory in Game 3 of the Finals.
Jokic became the first player in NBA Finals history to have a 30-20-10 performance, adding to his growing legacy in this historic playoff run.
Denver's superstar center became the first player ever to record a 30-20-10 stat line in an NBA Finals game.
In Game 3 of the 2023 NBA Finals, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray did something that no two teammates have ever done.
On a historic night, The Sporting News graded the performance of 10 of the most impactful players in Game 3,
Nuggets rookie Christian Braun put on a show off the bench in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
A pronunciation guide for Christian Braun of the Denver Nuggets.
The stars are out in South Beach for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Heat and Nuggets.
While the Heat continue to stack up wins in pursuit of a historic NBA title, it appears as though Jimmy Butler is not quite himself.
The Sporting News' Steph Noh provides his X-factors, storylines and prediction for Game 3 of the 2023 NBA Finals.
While Butler certainly played a role in limiting Murray to 18 points in Game 2, it was Miami's collective effort that prevented a scoring explosion.
Through the first two games of the 2023 NBA Finals, the Nuggets and Heat have been far from perfect, but both teams can feel good about certain aspects of their game plans.
Let's take a closer look at one particular possession before diving deeper into that question.
There are a number of reasons that the Heat were able to even the NBA Finals with a Game 2 win over the Nuggets. The play of Kevin Love is a major one.
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra had a viral quote that shut down the idea of turning Nikola Jokic "into a scorer" in Game 2, but was that Miami's strategy?
The Sporting News was tracking live scoring updates and highlights from Game 2 of Nuggets vs. Heat in the 2023 NBA Finals.
The Heat pulled out everything in Game 2. Erik Spoelstra employed a new starting lineup and opted for a 10-man rotation as Miami seemed to discover a formula for success in this series.
"This is not the preseason. This is not the regular season. This is the NBA Finals," Malone said.
Only five players in NBA history have won a championship the year after winning an NCAA title. Christian Braun can become the fifth if the Nuggets win it all this season.
After dropping Game 1, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra is going with a different look to open Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
When he's not dominating on the hardwood, you can usually find the Serbian star at home playing video games.
Jeong, famous for his roles in The Hangover and Community, was in the building at Ball Arena for Game 1.
Not only are Murray and Jokic a handful to defend individually, but they complement each other perfectly. Their synergy as a one-two punch was on full display in Game 1 and could very well be the difference in the series.
Game 1 of the 2023 NBA Finals was largely one to forget for Jimmy Butler and the Heat.
Aaron Gordon was the unsung hero of Game 1, turning in a solid two-way performance for the Nuggets.
"This guy is super impressive as a big man, and I'm happy I got to see him live," O'Neal said.
Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray could do something special in the NBA Finals.
Kevin Skiver
It only took one game for Nikola Jokic to add his name to the NBA Finals history books.
The Sporting News was tracking live scoring updates and highlights from Game 1 of Nuggets vs. Heat in the 2023 NBA Finals.
No duo has been more dynamic in the 2023 NBA playoffs than Jokic and Murray. Here's what you need to know about this pairing's success.
Nikola Jokic is one of the most unique stars in NBA history, and he also might be the most unlikely. The Sporting News takes a look back at when he was drafted during a Taco Bell commercial.
Why Nikola Jokic makes sure his wedding ring never leaves his side during NBA games.
Mike Miller is known for Jokic's well-known nickname.
When you take the Nuggets center off the court and away from the heat of competition, he turns into a big, goofy husband and father.
The Sporting News takes a closer look at Michael Malone's rise from a longtime assistant and Kings coach to the NBA Finals-bound Nuggets.
The Nuggets have only four holdovers from their 2020 NBA playoff roster on the roster of players competing in the 2023 NBA Finals.
As Tyler Herro prepares for his return, The Sporting News reached out to medical expert Dr. Michael S. George of the KSF Orthopaedic Center in Houston, who detailed the specifics of the injury and potential limitations.
Michael Porter Jr. was limited to just three games in college due to a major back injury. Concerns about his long-term health nearly saw him fall out of the lottery in the 2018 NBA Draft.
When the Heat head to Denver for the first two games of the 2023 NBA Finals, they won't just be battling the Nuggets. They will also be fighting the altitude.
Jokic has never been concerned with receiving the most votes for individual awards or building up a personal brand. There is only his family — and everything else comes after that.
Long before he joined a Nuggets squad that is looking to win the first NBA championship in franchise history, Bruce Brown was a top recruit in the Class of 2016.
Should the franchise retire Anthony's jersey, or does No. 15 now belong to Jokic?
Jokic's journey has taken him from a small town in the Serbian countryside to NBA superstardom.
The Heat are in the NBA Finals for the second time in four seasons, while the Nuggets are making their NBA Finals debut as a franchise.
There are a whole lot of people the Nuggets can credit for helping secure their first appearance in the NBA Finals. But few are as understated as Booth, a former role player who has made waves as the team's first-year general manager.
The Heat have had one of the best defenses in the NBA all season long, but they still might find themselves without a clear answer to Jokic.
The "Sombor Shuffle" is similar to Dirk Nowitzki's famous fadeaway, but there are some slight differences between the two moves.
Nikola Jokic has proven doubters wrong every step of the way.
As the Nuggets prepare for a challenge unlike anything they've faced before, there are a few signs that indicate the team will be prepared for what the Heat bring to the table.
During his one year at Kentucky, Jamal Murray impressed scouts enough to be selected with a top 10 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Doubt Miami at your own peril. Being the underdog is nothing new for Erik Spoelstra's squad, and the Heat won't be satisfied with a Finals appearance.
The 10 best players, ranked, who will be playing in the 2023 NBA Finals between the Heat and Nuggets.
The Nuggets and Heat are set to meet in the 2023 NBA Finals in what should be an interesting matchup.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the 2023 NBA Finals between Denver and Miami including the series schedule, start times, TV channels and more!
Will the Heat's Cinderella run end with a championship, or will Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray be too much for Miami's defense?
The Sporting News was tracking live score updates and highlights throughout Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.
The Lakers are making a few big changes to their starting lineup as they look to avoid elimination at the hands of the Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.
The discussion around Carmelo Anthony's retirement spells out everything that's wrong with rings culture.
Malone relayed how Murray once feared Denver would trade him following a torn ACL. The decision to stick with Murray has worked out for both him and the Nuggets.
The Sporting News tracked live scoring updates and highlights from Game 3 of Lakers vs. Nuggets. Check out all of the action you may have missed right here.
As the Lakers look to slow Jamal Murray down, the NBA world quickly made him the No. 1 topic of discussion in the Twittersphere.
You don't get a triple-double without impacting the game in a number of areas, but there is one particular way Jokic is hurting the Lakers in the series.
Nikola Jokic triple-doubled, Jamal Murray went off in the fourth while LeBron and AD struggled from the field in the Nuggets' Game 2 win
LeBron James and the Lakers face a 2-0 deficit to the Nuggets following Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. Here's what history says is next for the NBA star:
Jamal Murray scored 23 of his game-high 37 points in the fourth quarter, to lead the Nuggets to a 108-103 win over the Lakers in Game 2.
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone was not happy about the narratives so far in the Western Conference Finals. He expressed displeasure before and after Game 2.
The Lakers are wasting no time when it comes to making adjustments against the Nuggets.
Here's the latest on the infection Jamal Murray is dealing with and his status for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.
How James attacked Murray in Game 1 could turn out to be the Lakers' best shot at keeping up with the Nuggets.
The Lakers lost Game 1 against the Nuggets, but they made a late run and had some good success by putting Rui Hachimura on Nikola Jokic.
The Sporting News tracked live score updates and highlights from the Nuggets' Game 1 win of the Western Conference Finals.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has played with both Nikola Jokic and LeBron James and says there's plenty of similarities between the pair.
Nikola Jokic may have humbly downplayed his impressive performance, but it was a hot topic of discussion throughout the night.
Davis and Jokic will likely guard each other for much of the series, and that matchup will have massive ramifications on which team advances to the NBA Finals.
The Lakers defeated the Nuggets in five games the last time they met in the Conference Finals. Will history repeat itself?
Following another dominant display from Nikola Jokic in Game 6, Suns star Kevin Durant had nothing but praise for the Nuggets center.
ESPN announcer Mark Jackson was the only media member who did not give All-Star center Nikola Jokic a top-five vote for the 2023 NBA MVP award.
Here's everything we know about Deandre Ayton's rib injury ahead of Game 6.
Jamal Murray is listed at only 6-4 and 215 pounds, but the Nuggets guard knows how to operate in the post.
At the end of the first quarter of Game 5, Booker appeared to tweak his foot while attempting to finish at the basket in transition.
Given the Suns' title aspirations, Chris Paul's status for the remainder of the series — and postseason — looms large.
Jokic and Ishbia were involved in an altercation during Game 4 that resulted in Jokic being assessed a technical foul.
