Everything looks different in Denver these days. If you haven't been paying close attention since the 2025 offseason, the Denver Nuggets starting roster has undergone its most significant transformation since the championship run. Michael Porter Jr. is gone. Long-time fans might still be rubbing their eyes seeing him in a Brooklyn Nets jersey, but the reality of the NBA salary cap finally forced the front office's hand.
They traded Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson, a move that felt like a earthquake at the time.
But here we are in January 2026. The Nuggets are sitting near the top of the Western Conference with a 26-13 record. Honestly, the "new" starting five has been statistically dominant when they actually get to play together. The problem? They can’t stay on the floor. Right now, the roster is a walking infirmary, and if you’re looking at the box scores today, you’re seeing names like Zeke Nnaji and Peyton Watson stepping into massive roles.
The 2025-26 Denver Nuggets Starting Roster: The Core Five
When healthy—which feels like a "big if" lately—the starting unit is as follows:
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- Point Guard: Jamal Murray
- Shooting Guard: Christian Braun
- Small Forward: Cameron Johnson
- Power Forward: Aaron Gordon
- Center: Nikola Jokic
It’s a different vibe. Cameron Johnson doesn't have the same high-arcing, "ignore the defender" shot-making that MPJ brought, but he’s a much more disciplined team defender. He fits the "system" in a way that makes the coaching staff breathe easier. Meanwhile, Christian Braun has officially taken the mantle from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as the permanent starting two-guard.
Braun actually signed a massive $125 million extension back in October. That's a lot of pressure for a guy who was a bench energy piece just two seasons ago. He’s averaging about 9.5 points per game this season, which doesn't scream "star," but his defensive metrics are through the roof.
Why Jokic is the Sun and Everyone Else is Just Orbiting
Let's talk about the big man. Nikola Jokic is currently putting up 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11.0 assists per game. He’s basically a walking triple-double. Again.
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But right now, he’s out. He hyperextended his left knee when Spencer Jones stepped on him during a game against Miami. It’s a bone bruise, and the team is being incredibly cautious, likely keeping him out until closer to the All-Star break. Without him, the Nuggets are 4-3. With him? They were 22-10. It’s not a mystery why this team lives and dies by his health.
The Cameron Johnson Factor: Did the Trade Work?
Most people thought the Nuggets got worse when they moved MPJ. Porter Jr. is currently averaging nearly 26 points a game for the Nets. That's a lot of scoring to give up. However, the Nuggets' net rating with Johnson on the floor is actually slightly higher than it was with Porter last year.
Johnson is a "connector." He moves the ball faster. He doesn't hold it. In a Jokic-led offense, the ball needs to move like a hot potato, and Johnson is perfect for that. Plus, the Nuggets got a 2032 first-round pick in the swap, giving them a tiny bit of future flexibility they desperately needed.
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Breaking Down the Current Injury Crisis
If you check the Denver Nuggets starting roster for tonight’s game, it’s a mess. Here’s the reality of the January 2026 injury report:
- Nikola Jokic: Out (Knee bone bruise).
- Jamal Murray: Questionable (Ankle/Illness). He’s been carrying a huge load with Jokic out, averaging 25.4 points, but his body is starting to creak.
- Cameron Johnson: Out (Right knee bone bruise).
- Christian Braun: Out (Left ankle sprain). He missed 23 games earlier this year with the same issue and just got ruled out again.
This has forced coach David Adelman (who took over the reins recently) to lean on the "stay-ready" group. Zeke Nnaji has been the surprise of the month. After years of being buried on the bench, Nnaji is averaging 12.7 points and 5.7 rebounds since New Year's Day. He even dropped 21 in an overtime win against Philly. It’s kinda wild to see a guy everyone wrote off as a "bad contract" suddenly becoming a viable NBA starter.
The Bench Is Finally Real
For years, the Nuggets' bench was a disaster. Not anymore. They went out and got Jonas Valanciunas to be the backup big, which is a luxury most teams don't have. They also have Bruce Brown back in the fold, along with Tim Hardaway Jr. providing some veteran scoring.
What This Means for the Rest of 2026
The Western Conference is a bloodbath. Oklahoma City is still a juggernaut, and the Lakers have Luka Doncic now (yeah, that actually happened). For the Nuggets to compete, they don't just need their starting roster back—they need them to find a rhythm before April.
The biggest misconception is that the Nuggets are "falling off." They aren't. They’re just evolving. Transitioning from a team that relies on three elite scorers to a team that relies on Jokic and four elite role players is a gamble. So far, the numbers say it's working, even if the injury report says otherwise.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
- Watch the Net Rating: Don't just look at PPG. Watch how the Nuggets' defense performs when Cameron Johnson is on the floor versus when he’s off. It’s the key to their playoff ceiling.
- Monitor Jamal Murray’s Minutes: With Jokic out, Murray’s usage has spiked. If he doesn't get some rest soon, the Nuggets risk a repeat of his previous injury woes.
- Keep an eye on Peyton Watson: He’s the X-factor. If his shooting (currently around 34% from deep) stays consistent, he might force his way into the closing lineup over Aaron Gordon in certain matchups.
- Check the All-Star Break Return: If Jokic and Johnson aren't back by mid-February, Denver might prioritize seeding less and health more, potentially dropping to the 4th or 5th seed.