If you’re staring at the slate for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and wondering why your fantasy team looks like a hospital ward, you aren't alone. It’s one of those nights. Seven games. A dozen missing superstars. Basically, the NBA is in the "January Grind," and the rotations are getting weird.
Take the Denver Nuggets. They’re heading into Dallas to face the Mavericks on ESPN at 9:30 p.m. ET, and they’re doing it without Nikola Jokic. The Joker has been out since late December with that hyperextended knee. It’s a mess. Honestly, seeing Denver try to run an offense without the best passing big man in history is like watching a car try to drive without a steering wheel. Peyton Watson and Jamal Murray are doing the heavy lifting, but the nba lineup for tonight for Denver feels incomplete without the big guy.
The Big Matchups and the Injury Chaos
Look at the Philadelphia 76ers hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers. This should be a heavyweight fight. Instead, it’s a game of "will they or won't they" with the Sixers' training staff. Joel Embiid, Paul George, and the rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe are all listed as probable. They’ve got various adductor and knee issues, but the word is they’ll likely suit up. If you're betting on this, keep an eye on those final warm-ups.
Cleveland is a bit more stable. Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell are healthy, which is a rarity in 2026. They’ve got Sam Merrill sliding into the starting wing spot because Max Strus is still recovering from foot surgery. It's a contrast in styles: Philly's star power versus Cleveland's continuity.
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The Cooper Flagg Factor in Dallas
Everyone is talking about Cooper Flagg. The kid is 19 and already playing like a ten-year vet. With Anthony Davis sidelined for the Mavericks due to that nasty hand injury—he's expected to miss about six weeks—Flagg has stepped into a primary scoring role. Over his last 20 games, he's averaging over 22 points.
Tonight against Denver, the Mavs are likely starting:
- Ryan Nembhard at the point
- Cooper Flagg at the two
- Naji Marshall on the wing
- PJ Washington at power forward
- Daniel Gafford or Moussa Cisse at center
It’s a young, fast lineup. Dallas plays at the sixth-fastest pace in the league. If Denver can't slow them down without Jokic’s rebounding and pace control, it could get ugly fast.
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New York’s West Coast Test
The Knicks are out in Sacramento, and they’re heavy favorites. Why? Because the Kings are basically a shell of themselves right now. Domantas Sabonis is out with a knee injury. Keegan Murray is dealing with an ankle. Even Dennis Schroder is unavailable because of a suspension.
Zach LaVine is basically the last man standing for the Kings’ offense. He’s going to have to take 25 shots tonight just to keep them competitive. On the other side, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are healthy and clicking. KAT has been a beast in the paint lately, and with the Kings missing their primary interior defenders, he might go for 40.
The Wednesday Slate Rotations
| Game | Key Starters to Watch | Missing Pieces |
|---|---|---|
| CLE @ PHI | Donovan Mitchell, Joel Embiid | Max Strus (Out) |
| TOR @ IND | Brandon Ingram, Pascal Siakam | Tyrese Haliburton (Out) |
| UTA @ CHI | Keyonte George, Coby White | Lauri Markkanen (Questionable) |
| NYK @ SAC | Jalen Brunson, Zach LaVine | Domantas Sabonis (Out) |
The Indiana-Toronto game is another weird one. No Tyrese Haliburton for Indy—that Achilles tear is a season-killer. They’re starting Andrew Nembhard and relying on Pascal Siakam to create everything. Toronto, meanwhile, has Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes healthy. That’s a lot of length for a depleted Pacers defense to handle.
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What to Watch For in Tonight's Rotations
If you're looking for an edge, watch the Utah Jazz. Keyonte George is having a massive breakout year. He’s one of only six players in the league averaging 23 points and 6 assists. With Lauri Markkanen questionable tonight due to illness, George might have the ultimate green light against a Chicago Bulls team that loves to run but hates to defend.
The Nets and Pelicans are also squaring off. New Orleans is still waiting on full health from Zion Williamson, who is active but on a bit of a "wait and see" rotation. Brooklyn is surprisingly scrappy this year, led by Egor Demin and Michael Porter Jr. (yes, he's a Net now).
Actionable Strategy for Fans
- Check the 6:30 PM ET Window: That's when the official active/inactive lists for the East Coast games drop.
- Target the Paint: With Sabonis and Jokic out, players like KAT and Daniel Gafford have massive rebounding and scoring advantages.
- The Rookie Watch: Cooper Flagg isn't just a highlight reel; he's the focal point of the Dallas offense right now. His usage rate is through the roof.
Tonight isn't about the household names you saw on posters three years ago. It’s about the guys stepping into the void. Whether it's Peyton Watson trying to fill Jokic's shoes or Zach LaVine trying to carry Sacramento solo, the nba lineup for tonight is a puzzle. Solve the injury report, and you'll know who's actually going to win.
Monitor the late-night West Coast news. Often, teams like the Clippers or Kings will make a late scratch for "rest" or "soreness" that isn't on the morning report. Get your lineups set early, but be ready to pivot at the buzzer.