Jokic returns vs. Mavericks after missing 3 games

Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic was in the starting lineup Friday against the Dallas Mavericks after missing the previous three contests due to personal reasons.

Jokic and his partner welcomed their second child, a boy, Thursday night, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania Friday.

The 29-year-old is averaging career highs in points (29.7), assists (13.7), 3-point attempts (3.9), and 3-point percentage (56.4%) this season. The three-time MVP also leads the Association in assists per game (11.7).

Jokic hadn't played since Nov. 10 until Friday, with the Nuggets going 1-2 during that time. Friday's NBA Cup contest against the Mavs is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET.

Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. was Denver's leading scorer in Jokic's absence, averaging 19.3 points per game while shooting 49% from the field and 26.7% from three.

The 8-5 Nuggets sit fifth in the Western Conference and are 1-1 in NBA Cup games.