NBA2 hours ago2 minute read

Slow Start for Nikola Jokic Leaves Denver Nuggets Seeking Answers

Nikola Jokic has struggled early this season, exposing roster flaws for the Denver Nuggets.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Early Struggles for Jokic

Denver has relied on Nikola Jokic to carry the team for years. The three time Most Valuable Player is off to a slow start in the 2026 to 2027 season. Through seven games, the Nuggets have four wins and three losses. Jokic is shooting 50.4% from the field, which is his lowest mark since the 2017 to 2018 season. He is also shooting a career low 21.9% from 3 point range.

His 23.4 points per game mark his lowest average since the 2019 to 2020 campaign. Jokic is taking 16% of his shots from the basket area, a career low, while 25% are coming from beyond the arc. Despite these dips, Jokic still averages 23 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. He also recorded 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in a blowout win against the Raptors.

Nuggets coach David Adelman believes Jokic will bounce back soon. Adelman noted that it is a small sample size for one of the most efficient offensive players ever, adding that he will die on that sword.

Roster Flaws Exposed

Denver has a top heavy roster built around Jokic. Without his typical efficiency, other weaknesses have emerged. The Nuggets have zero wins and three losses against teams with winning records. Home fans even booed the team during an overtime win against the Pelicans.

Aaron Gordon is not moving well after missing more than half of last season due to injury. Cameron Johnson continues to underperform. The second unit features 37 year old DeMar DeRozan and has been outscored often. Denver ranks 26th in points in the paint and 28th in 3 point attempts per game.

Adelman noted that Jokic and Jamal Murray have too much responsibility. Only five players remain from the 2022 to 2023 championship team. Those players are Jokic, Murray, Gordon, Christian Braun, and Zeke Nnaji. Denver previously fired general manager Calvin Booth and head coach Michael Malone less than two years after winning the title.

What it means for the next game

Denver Nuggets at Indiana Pacers (NBA, Sat, 07 Nov): Indiana Pacers win 24%, Denver Nuggets win 76%; projected score Indiana Pacers 113, Denver Nuggets 121. Our safest pick: Nuggets to win.

Denver Nuggets at Houston Rockets (NBA, Tue, 10 Nov): Houston Rockets win 53%, Denver Nuggets win 47%; projected score Houston Rockets 114, Denver Nuggets 112. Our safest pick: Rockets +5.5.