HOUSTON (AP) Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is expected to return to the Denver lineup during the team's upcoming five-game homestand, coach Michael Malone said. Jokic missed his fourth straight game Sunday, sitting out against th e Rockets in Houston due to a left ankle impingement. Malone said Jokic was not expected to play Monday when Denver's homestand starts against the Chicago Bulls. Jokic, a three-time MVP, is averaging 29.1 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.3 assists this season. The Nuggets are 1-2 in the last three games without Jokic.Denver Nuggets 2024-25 Schedule March 23: @ Houston Rockets March 24: vs. Chicago Bulls March 26: vs. Milwaukee Bucks March 28: vs. Utah Jazz April 1: vs. Minnesota Timberwolves April 2: vs. San Antonio Spurs April 4: @ Golden State Warriors April 6: vs. Indiana Pacers April 9: @ Sacramento Kings April 11: vs. Memphis Grizzlies April 13: @ Houston Rockets ...read more read less