Man, if you’re a Denver fan right now, your stress levels are probably through the roof. It’s January 14, 2026, and the latest denver nuggets injury update reads more like a hospital ward manifest than a championship-caliber roster. We’re basically at the point where fans are looking at the end of the bench—and even the G-League call-ups—to see who can actually stay upright for 48 minutes.
The big one? Nikola Jokic. He’s out. Again.
Honestly, watching this team try to function without the Joker is like watching a car try to drive without a steering wheel. You might have gas in the tank, but you aren't going where you want to go. The official word is a left knee bone bruise, courtesy of a nasty hyperextension back on December 29 against Miami. He’s already missed nine straight games, and for a guy who usually plays through everything, this feels... different.
The Reality of the Nikola Jokic Situation
People keep asking when he's coming back. Some insiders like Shams Charania were whispering about the end of January, but Marc Stein is now reporting that early February is the more realistic window. That’s a massive blow. Why? Because of the NBA’s 65-game rule.
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If Jokic misses another handful of games, he’s basically disqualified from MVP and All-NBA honors. He was averaging almost 30 points, 12 boards, and 11 assists. Historically good stuff. But the Nuggets are 5-4 since he went down, and the offensive rating has plummeted from league-best (125.7) to middle-of-the-pack (109.0). It’s ugly.
Who Else is Banged Up?
It's not just the big man. The training room is standing room only.
- Jamal Murray: He's been dealing with a nagging left ankle sprain and some illness. He was a game-time decision for the Dallas game tonight, but word is he’s finally "available." He has to be. Without him, the offense has zero playmaking.
- Aaron Gordon: AG is fighting a right hamstring strain. He’s been "probable" or "questionable" for what feels like a month. He’s trying to gut it out, but you can see he doesn’t have that same vertical pop right now.
- Christian Braun: Ankle sprain. He’s officially ruled out for the Dallas matchup. Losing his perimeter defense right now is a nightmare for David Adelman’s rotations.
- Jonas Valanciunas: The backup plan for Jokic? Also hurt. A calf strain has him sidelined until at least February 1.
- Cameron Johnson: Another knee injury. He’s likely out until early February as well.
It's basically a skeleton crew.
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The Rotation Chess Match
With so many guys out, the Nuggets are leaning on people most casual fans wouldn't recognize in a grocery store. Peyton Watson has been a bright spot, sure. But when you're starting Spencer Jones and Hunter Tyson in high-stakes Western Conference games, you're playing with fire.
The Mavericks, even with their own issues (Anthony Davis is out six weeks with a hand injury), are licking their chops. Without Jokic to anchor the middle, Denver’s paint defense is basically a "Welcome" mat.
What This Means for the Standings
Denver entered this stretch at 22-9. They’ve managed to stay afloat at 27-13, but the gap is closing. If Murray or Gordon aggravated their current issues, this season could spiral fast. The goal right now isn't the one seed; it's just surviving until the All-Star break without losing their spot in the top four.
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The team has shown heart. They beat the Pelicans yesterday without Braun or Jokic, which was a minor miracle. But can they keep that energy up on the road in Dallas? Doubtful. It’s hard to play "Nuggets Basketball" when the guy who is Nuggets Basketball is wearing a suit on the sideline.
How to Manage the Next Few Weeks
If you're a bettor or a fantasy owner, you need to be extremely cautious. The denver nuggets injury update changes literally hour by hour.
- Monitor the Back-to-Backs: Adelman is being very protective of Murray’s minutes. If it’s the second night of a back-to-back, expect a "DNP - Rest" or "Injury Management" tag.
- Watch the 10-Day Contracts: Keep an eye on the G-League call-ups. Denver needs warm bodies, and guys like Jalen Pickett are going to get more run than they probably should.
- The February 1st Circle: That is the date everyone is looking at. If Jokic isn't back by the first week of February, start worrying about the long-term health of that knee.
The Nuggets are in survival mode. It’s not about style points anymore; it’s about ugly wins and hoping the medical staff can work some magic.