NBA Notes: Nuggets, Nikola Jokic, Raptors, RJ Barrett, Pacers

Nuggets

There’s no mystery about Nikola Jokic wanting back on the floor.

Nuggets coach David Adelman said prior to Friday’s game in Atlanta that the three-time MVP remains limited as he works back from a hyperextended left knee, largely confined to weight-room work for now, per Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette.

“I understand the 65-game rule, but a guy that never misses games for a decade, it bothers me a little bit,” Adelman said. “This is not somebody that’s sitting out. He never sits out.”

Despite injuries to Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas (calf), Denver isn’t expected to add a center on a 10-day deal. According to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, the Nuggets are focused on getting below the luxury tax and converting Spencer Jones from a two-way to a standard contract. Denver is currently about $400,000 over the tax line.

Raptors

A rough night in Boston got worse for Toronto when RJ Barrett suffered a left ankle injury late in the fourth quarter, according to Josh Lewenberg of TSN.

Barrett rolled the ankle after stepping on Sam Hauser’s foot and limped to the locker room in visible pain. He was ruled out and will undergo further testing. Barrett finished with 19 points, seven assists and four rebounds in 28 minutes.

Toronto was already missing Jakob Poeltl, Scottie Barnes, and Brandon Ingram, opening more minutes for Ja’Kobe Walter and Gradey Dick.

Pacers

At long last, milestone No. 1,000 belongs to Rick Carlisle.

Indiana’s win over Charlotte on Thursday snapped a franchise-record 13-game losing streak and made Carlisle the 11th coach in NBA history to reach 1,000 victories, per the Associated Press.

“I’m so happy for our players,” Carlisle said. “The last month has been so challenging in so many ways. We have an amazing group of guys who continue to fight through thick and thin.”

In a season defined by injuries and losses, Carlisle leaned away from personal accolades.

“This has never been about me getting a milestone win,” he said. “It’s about our organization and our franchise.”