Denver-Due to a sprained right wrist, the Denver Nuggets did not defend MVP Nikola Jokic in Friday night's game against the Chicago Bulls.

Jokic was sitting on the sidelines with a brace on his wrist and appeared to be injured in a home loss to Philadelphia the night before. Coach Michael Malone said he doesn't believe that injury will keep Jokic out for a long time, but there is no timetable for his return.

"I don't think it will be a long-term thing at all, but at the same time, if he can only play with one hand, I don't want to put him there," Malone said. "It is unfair to ask him to do this. When he is ready to play, he will play. That may be against Phoenix, it may be a week later. There is no timetable at this time."

Jokic ushered in another MVP-level season. The Nuggets averaged 26.4 points, 13.6 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game. The Nuggets will go to Phoenix to play against the Suns on Sunday.

This is the second game Jokic has missed this season. He was out of the game against Indiana on November 10 because he played a role in the quarrel with Markieff Morris in Miami and was suspended for one game.

Also without Jamal Murray (knee) and Michael Porter Jr. (guard), the Nuggets lost 114-108 to the Bulls.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.