Jokic out at least 4 weeks with hyperextended knee

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic will miss at least four weeks after being diagnosed with a hyperextended left knee, the team announced Tuesday.

He's slated to miss at least 16 games under that timeline and will be re-evaluated after four weeks.

Jokic sustained the injury in the second quarter of Monday's game against the Miami Heat when teammate Spencer Jones inadvertently stepped on his foot.

Jokic has been relatively healthy throughout his 11-year career, making no fewer than 69 appearances in a single campaign.

The seven-time All-Star was making a strong push for his fourth MVP award, averaging 29.6 points on 60.5% shooting. He leads the NBA in rebounds (12.2 per game), assists (11 per game), and triple-doubles (16).

Denver is already without starters Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon, and Cameron Johnson.

Jokic has helped the Nuggets weather those early-season injuries, especially on offense. The team is scoring 17.2 more points per 100 possessions when Jokic is on the floor.

Denver sits third in the West with a 22-10 record entering Tuesday's play.