Nikola Jokic did not leave Denver’s rematch with the Thunder on Monday up to a split decision. Like he’s often done this season, he wrapped himself around the game, a 140-127 road win in Oklahoma City on the second night of these teams’ late-season back-to-back.

Williams was ruled out for the second half with a hip strain. The Oklahoma City Thunder 's 140-127 loss to the Denver Nuggets went to the backburner. Fans have turned their attention from the MVP battle between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic to Williams' status.

The Western Conference-leading Thunder will be without one of their most important pieces for Wednesday’s marquee matchup with the defending champion Celtics. All-Star forward Jalen Williams will miss the nationally televised tilt after suffering a right hip strain during Oklahoma City’s 140-127 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday,