Nikola Jokic plays through illness for Serbia in FIBA World Cup qualifiers
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 5:00 AM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026
Nikola Jokic competed in the second round of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers despite battling a recent illness. The Denver Nuggets center received intravenous treatments over several days to remain available for the Serbian national team. Coach Dusan Alimpijevic confirmed Jokic played through the sickness during Serbia's recent victories against Iceland and Italy. In the win against Italy, Jokic contributed eight points, eight rebounds, and one assist across 23 minutes of play. These results improved Serbia's standing to 6-2 in Group J, moving the team closer to World Cup qualification. Jokic may miss the upcoming qualifiers against Lithuania and Italy scheduled for late November due to the start of the 2026-27 NBA season.
- •Nikola Jokic played through an illness requiring multiple IV treatments during the qualifying games.
- •Serbia recorded consecutive wins against Iceland and Italy to reach a 6-2 record in Group J.
- •Jokic averaged 14.0 points and 11.3 rebounds per game during the qualifying period.
- •The next qualifying games for Serbia are scheduled for November 26 and November 29.
- 5:00 AMYahoo Sports — Concerning Nikola Jokic Update Emerges During FIBA Qualifiers as Serbian Coach Reveals Nuggets Star’s Condition
- 3:23 AMYahoo Sports — Nikola Jokic Battled Illness While Representing Serbia At FIBA World Cup Qualifiers
"A quiet performance from Nikola Jokic in Serbia’s latest World Cup qualifier raised questions before the real concern emerged. The Denver Nuggets superstar went almost invisible against Italy, but his numbers alone did not explain the off-colour showcase.
"After a promising result for Serbia in the second round of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, Serbia's national team coach revealed how committed Nikola Jokic was to the team.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 1, 2026, 5:00 AMConcerning Nikola Jokic Update Emerges During FIBA Qualifiers as Serbian Coach Reveals Nuggets Star’s Condition
A quiet performance from Nikola Jokic in Serbia’s latest World Cup qualifier raised questions before the real concern emerged. The Denver Nuggets superstar went almost invisible against Italy, but his numbers alone did not explain the off-colour showcase.
- Yahoo SportsSep 1, 2026, 3:23 AMNikola Jokic Battled Illness While Representing Serbia At FIBA World Cup Qualifiers
After a promising result for Serbia in the second round of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, Serbia's national team coach revealed how committed Nikola Jokic was to the team.
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