If you're frantically checking your apps to see what time is nuggets game tonight, I have some news that might be a little annoying: the Denver Nuggets actually don't play today, Friday, January 16, 2026.
Yeah, it's one of those rare Friday nights where the schedule is just blank for the Mile High crew.
Instead of a Jokic triple-double or Jamal Murray hitting a step-back three, Ball Arena is actually hosting the Colorado Avalanche tonight. They're taking on the Nashville Predators at 7:00 PM. So, if you see a bunch of people in downtown Denver wearing blue and burgundy jerseys instead of navy and gold, that's why.
The Nuggets are currently enjoying a much-needed two-day break after a pretty grueling stretch. They just came off a high-stakes road trip where they managed to beat the Dallas Mavericks 118-109 on Wednesday night. It was a massive win, especially considering the injury cloud hanging over the team.
When do the Nuggets play next?
You won't have to wait long to see them back on the court.
The Denver Nuggets next game is Saturday, January 17, 2026, against the Washington Wizards. That one is happening right at home in Denver.
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Game Details for Saturday, Jan 17:
- Opponent: Washington Wizards
- Tip-off Time: 7:00 PM MST (9:00 PM ET)
- Location: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
- TV Channels: Altitude Sports (Local), KTVD (Channel 20 in Denver)
- Streaming: Fubo, NBA League Pass (blackout restrictions apply)
Basically, if you were planning your Friday night around the game, you've got a free pass tonight. Maybe catch some of the other NBA action? The Rockets and Timberwolves are playing a pretty big Western Conference matchup tonight on ESPN at 7:30 PM MST if you need a basketball fix.
The State of the Nuggets: Surviving Without the Joker
Honestly, it’s a miracle the Nuggets are where they are right now.
If you haven't been keeping a close eye on the injury report, Nikola Jokic has been sidelined with a left knee bone bruise. He hyperextended it back on December 29 against Miami when Spencer Jones accidentally stepped on him. It was one of those "hold your breath" moments that every Nuggets fan dreads.
Initial reports suggested he’d be out for about four weeks. We're currently about halfway through 그 period.
But here’s the wild part.
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Most teams would absolutely crater without a three-time MVP. The Nuggets? They’ve gone 6-3 since he went down. They’re sitting at 28-13 overall, which puts them second in the Western Conference. They actually have the best road record in the entire NBA at 17-7.
Who is stepping up?
With the big man out, Jamal Murray has had to go back to "Bubble Murray" mode. He dropped 33 points against Dallas on Wednesday. He’s averaging about 24 points and 7 assists during this stretch.
But it’s not just the stars.
Peyton Watson has been a revelation. His defense was always there, but he’s starting to find a rhythm offensively, contributing about 13 points a game. Bruce Brown—yeah, he’s back and as vital as ever—is doing all the dirty work that doesn't always show up in the box score but wins games.
Even the "Mile High Marauders" (the bench crew) are playing with a chip on their shoulder. They beat a healthy 76ers team in Philly recently without a single starter in the lineup. That’s just grit.
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Looking Ahead: The Schedule Gets Crowded
Once they get past the Wizards on Saturday, the schedule doesn't let up. They have a back-to-back coming up:
- Sunday, Jan 18: vs. Charlotte Hornets (6:00 PM MST)
- Tuesday, Jan 20: vs. Los Angeles Lakers (8:00 PM MST on NBC/Peacock)
The Lakers game is going to be a massive national TV spot. It’ll be a real test to see if this "Jokic-less" momentum can hold up against LeBron and AD under the bright lights of a Tuesday night broadcast.
For now, take the night off. Check the standings—the Nuggets are in a great spot—and get ready for that 7:00 PM tip-off tomorrow night at Ball Arena.
If you're planning to go to the game on Saturday, keep an eye on the injury updates for Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon. Both have been nursing minor ankle issues and were game-time decisions earlier this week. They've been playing through it, but with the Wizards being a "winnable" game, the coaching staff might be cautious with their minutes.
Check your local listings for Altitude or KTVD to make sure you're set for Saturday's broadcast. If you're out of market, NBA League Pass is your best bet, though local blackouts will still apply if you're in the Denver area.