Yes, they do. If you're looking for the short answer: the Denver Nuggets are back on the hardwood today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026. They are heading into the American Airlines Center to face off against the Dallas Mavericks.
This isn't just another mid-January slog on the calendar. Honestly, it’s a weirdly pivotal game for a Denver team that has been living in the "injury report" section of the news lately. They just came off a gritty 122-116 win against the Pelicans last night, so they’re on the second leg of a back-to-back. Tired legs? Maybe. But the way Peyton Watson is playing right now, "fatigue" doesn't seem to be in his vocabulary.
Do the Denver Nuggets Play Today? Game Time and Where to Watch
If you’re trying to catch the action, here is the breakdown of how to tune in. Since it's a marquee matchup, the national broadcasters are finally paying attention again.
- Tip-off Time: 8:30 PM CST (7:30 PM for the folks back in Denver).
- National TV: ESPN.
- Local TV: Altitude Sports and Altitude+.
- Radio: Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM.
The Nuggets are entering this one with a 27-13 record, sitting pretty near the top of the Western Conference despite the chaos. Dallas, on the other hand, has been struggling at 15-25. On paper, it looks like a blowout. But you've probably seen enough NBA basketball to know that a road game on the second night of a back-to-back is basically a trap.
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The Nikola Jokic Question: Who is Actually Suiting Up?
Basically, the big story in Denver right now isn't just about the wins—it's about who is missing. Nikola Jokic has been sidelined with a left knee bone bruise. It’s been a massive blow. You don't just "replace" a three-time MVP. Yet, somehow, the Nuggets have won four of their last five games.
David Adelman, who has been steering the ship as head coach this season, has found something special in the Jamal Murray and Peyton Watson pairing. In the win against New Orleans yesterday, Murray dropped 35 and Watson followed up his Western Conference Player of the Week honors with 31 of his own.
Current Injury Report (As of Jan 14, 2026)
The training room is a busy place in Denver right now. Here is the latest on the roster availability:
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- Nikola Jokic (Knee): Still Out. Don't expect him back tonight.
- Jonas Valanciunas (Calf): Out. The frontcourt is looking very thin.
- Cameron Johnson (Knee): Out.
- Jamal Murray (Ankle): Playing. He’s been questionable lately but played heavy minutes last night.
- Aaron Gordon (Hamstring): Probable. He’s been gutting it out.
Why the Nuggets are Favorites Despite the Injuries
You’d think a team missing their best player and their primary backup big (Valanciunas) would be sinking. Instead, Denver leads the NBA in scoring, averaging over 122 points per game. Their offensive rating is currently #1 in the league.
The secret sauce has been the emergence of the young core. Peyton Watson has evolved from a defensive specialist into a genuine two-way threat. His confidence is sky-high. When he’s hitting threes at a 40% clip like he has over the last week, the floor opens up for Murray to do his "Blue Arrow" thing.
Dallas is a bit of a mess right now, but they still have the talent to punish a tired Denver defense. The Mavericks' defense is... let's just say "generous." If the Nuggets can keep the pace high, they should be able to outrun the Mavs even without Jokic’s legendary outlet passes.
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What to Watch for in Tonight's Game
Keep an eye on the bench rotation. With Valanciunas and Jokic out, DaRon Holmes II and the rest of the second unit are going to have to play big minutes. The Nuggets' defense has been a bit of a sieve lately (ranked 26th in defensive rating), mostly because they lack that interior presence.
If Dallas can get into the paint early, Denver might find themselves in a shootout they can't win. But if Jamal Murray starts the game hot—like he did against Milwaukee a few days ago—the Mavericks won't have the firepower to keep up.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Check the Lineups: Follow the official Nuggets Twitter/X account about 30 minutes before tip-off. With this being a back-to-back, late scratches are common.
- Watch the Odds: Denver is likely to be a slight favorite, but the "Over" is almost always a safe bet with this current Nuggets squad that scores a ton and defends very little.
- Prepare for Altitude+: If you're in the Denver market and tired of the blackout drama, ensure your Altitude+ subscription is active, as this game is one of the big ones they’re pushing.
The Nuggets are proving they aren't just a one-man show. Even without the "Big Honey," this team is fun, fast, and surprisingly resilient. Catch them tonight on ESPN and see if the Murray-Watson duo can keep the streak alive.
Follow the game live on NBA League Pass or through local Denver broadcasts to see if they can move to 28-13 and stay in the hunt for the #1 seed.