NBA basketball moves fast. Honestly, if you aren't checking the latest shootaround reports, you’re basically guessing. Between the "load management" era and the sheer intensity of the 2025-26 season, the five guys who start the game are rarely the five guys you expected when you woke up this morning.
Tonight, January 13, 2026, we’ve got a heavy seven-game slate. Some of these matchups are absolute chaos in the trainer's room. If you're looking for today's nba starting lineups, you have to look at the massive injury clouds hanging over teams like Denver and Atlanta.
The Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Pelicans Mess
The biggest story of the night is in New Orleans. The Pelicans are basically running a hospital ward at this point. They've already ruled out Jose Alvarado and defensive ace Herb Jones. On the other side, the Nuggets are navigating a nightmare. Nikola Jokic is out. Jamal Murray is a game-time decision with that nagging left ankle sprain.
If Murray can't go, expect Jalen Pickett to slide into that lead guard spot. It's not ideal for Denver fans, but that's the reality. Here is what we’re likely looking at for the tip-off at the Smoothie King Center:
Denver Nuggets Projected Five:
Jalen Pickett (if Murray is out), Peyton Watson, Aaron Gordon, Hunter Tyson, and DaRon Holmes.
New Orleans Pelicans Projected Five:
Jeremiah Fears, Trey Murphy III, Bryce McGowens, Zion Williamson, and Derik Queen.
Zion is the sun that this entire Pelicans system orbits. Without Jones to lock down the perimeter, New Orleans has to outscore people. It's going to be high-paced and probably a bit messy.
Phoenix Suns at Miami Heat: The Star Power Test
Down in South Beach, things look a bit more stable, though not entirely. The Heat are dealing with Norman Powell’s back spasms. He’s officially questionable. If he sits, Pelle Larsson likely steps into a much larger role.
Phoenix is a different beast this year. They’ve been leaning hard on Kevin Durant, who somehow still looks like the best player on the planet in 2026.
Phoenix Suns Starters:
Collin Gillespie, Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Kevin Durant, and Mark Williams.
Miami Heat Starters:
Tyler Herro, Pelle Larsson (expected), Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Kel’el Ware.
Watch the matchup between Bam and Mark Williams. Williams has been a rebounding machine lately, and Bam is... well, he’s Bam. That's the game right there.
Atlanta Hawks vs. LA Lakers: Late Night Drama
The late game at Crypto.com Arena is a total toss-up. The Lakers are without Austin Reaves (calf strain), which is a massive blow to their secondary playmaking. Atlanta is missing Zaccharie Risacher and the "Unicorn" himself, Kristaps Porzingis.
Atlanta Hawks Expected Lineup:
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Vit Krejci, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu.
LA Lakers Expected Lineup:
D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.
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LeBron is still doing LeBron things, but without Reaves, the Lakers' spacing gets wonky. Jalen Johnson is a tough cover for anyone on this Lakers roster not named Anthony Davis.
Why Lineups Shift at the Last Second
Look, most people don't realize that "Active" doesn't always mean "Starting." Coaches like Spoelstra or Malone love to play mind games. They might list a guy as available but keep him on the bench to manage his minutes against specific second-unit matchups.
Also, the G League "Two-Way" shuffle is real. Especially for teams like the Bulls and Rockets playing tonight, you'll see guys like Emanuel Miller or AJ Johnson getting spot starts just because a veteran has a "sore hip." It's a grind.
Actionable Strategy for Following Today's NBA Starting Lineups
If you’re betting or playing DFS, don't lock in your picks until the 30-minute mark before tip. That is the "Golden Window."
- Follow the Beat Writers: Skip the national guys. Follow the local reporters on social media who are actually at the arena. They see who is warming up.
- Check the "Out" List for Usage Spikes: When Jokic is out for Denver, Aaron Gordon’s usage rate doesn't just go up—it explodes.
- Watch the Official NBA Injury Report: It’s updated hourly. If a player moves from "Doubtful" to "Questionable," they are almost certainly playing.
Keep an eye on the Milwaukee vs. Minnesota game too. Giannis is healthy, but the Bucks have been tinkering with their backcourt lately. These today's nba starting lineups are a moving target. If you aren't refreshing your feed, you're already behind.
Stay disciplined with your bankroll tonight. The injury reports for the New Orleans and Denver game alone could flip the Vegas lines by three or four points in an hour. It's a wild night for hoops.