On a night when both teams are juggling injuries and new faces, the Denver Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks head into their January 9, 2026 showdown in Denver with lineups that could change right up to tip-off. The final injury report locks in a few big headlines: Jamal Murray is probable and expected to play, Nikola Jokic remains out, and Atlanta’s incoming pieces — C.J. McCollum and Corey Kispert — won’t suit up yet because the trade is not finalized.

This is also Atlanta’s first game after a franchise-shifting move that sent out Trae Young. With their lead guard out and their new shooters not yet cleared, the Hawks’ ball-handling and spacing will look very different — at least for tonight.

Final Injury Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out

Here’s how the official picture looks heading into a 9:00 p.m. ET tip at Ball Arena.

Denver Nuggets

• Probable: Jamal Murray (left ankle sprain; illness), Aaron Gordon (right hamstring), Christian Braun (left ankle), Bruce Brown (right knee inflammation).
• Questionable: Spencer Jones (left foot/ankle inflammation; illness).
• Out: Nikola Jokic (left knee bone bruise), Jonas Valanciunas (right calf strain), Cameron Johnson (right knee bone bruise), Tamar Bates (left foot surgery).

Atlanta Hawks

• Questionable: Kristaps Porzingis (left Achilles tendonitis). Onyeka Okongwu has also been listed as questionable due to illness in earlier reports.
• Out: N’Faly Dante (torn ACL, out for season), Trae Young (not with team).
• Not with team: C.J. McCollum, Corey Kispert (trade not yet finalized).

Denver’s list is long, but the returns of Murray, Gordon, Braun, and Brown as probable give the champs a fighting chance at home. Atlanta’s uncertainty revolves around Porzingis’ Achilles and how they replace Young’s on-ball creation without McCollum or Kispert available.

“If Murray goes, Denver has a puncher’s chance — even without Jokic.”

What Jokic’s Absence Means for Denver

Nikola Jokic will not play due to a left knee bone bruise, and reports suggest a multi-week absence. That removes Denver’s primary scorer, rebounder, and playmaker. It also shifts more weight onto Jamal Murray’s shoulders. If he plays as expected, Murray becomes the engine for half-court offense, late-clock creation, and mismatch hunting.

Without Jokic and Valanciunas, Denver is thin at center. That affects rim protection and defensive rebounding, and it limits the handoff and post hub actions that make their offense so smooth. Aaron Gordon’s probable status matters a lot here. He can pressure the rim as a cutter, defend multiple spots, and help on the glass. Christian Braun and Bruce Brown also bring energy, on-ball defense, and secondary playmaking that fits a Jokic-less, faster game plan.

Spencer Jones being questionable adds another wrinkle on the wing, but the Nuggets’ guard depth plus Gordon’s versatility should keep lineups balanced. The path is clear: play through Murray’s two-man actions, keep the ball moving, and win the hustle stats.

“No Jokic, no Valanciunas — the glass is up for grabs. Who owns the paint wins.”

Atlanta After the Trade: New Shape, Same Fight

For Atlanta, the story is just as dramatic. Trae Young is out and not with the team following a major trade. The players coming back — C.J. McCollum and Corey Kispert — are listed as not with team because the deal is not yet finalized. So no debut tonight. That leaves the Hawks to create offense by committee.

Kristaps Porzingis is questionable with left Achilles tendonitis. If he sits, the frontcourt load falls to Onyeka Okongwu (if healthy), Jalen Johnson, and depth big Mouh Gueye. N’Faly Dante is out for the season after ACL surgery, so the margin is thin. The Hawks will need to simplify: defend without fouling, run when they can, and attack Denver’s paint without Jokic.

Jalen Johnson’s two-way growth matters here. He can slash, push in transition, and help on the boards. Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s shooting and guard defense also become more important without Young. If Porzingis plays, he adds spacing and shot-blocking. If he doesn’t, Atlanta will lean on pace, drive-and-kick, and gang rebounding to generate enough looks.

Matchup Levers: Where This Game Can Turn

Even with so many names on the report, there are clear pressure points on both sides:

• Half-court shot creation: Denver will rely on Murray’s pull-ups and pick-and-rolls. Atlanta must throw fresh bodies at him and force the ball out of his hands.
• Rebounding battle: With Jokic and Valanciunas out, Denver needs team rebounding. Atlanta, missing Dante and possibly Porzingis, needs everyone on the glass too.
• Spacing and driving lanes: If Gordon and Braun are active, Denver’s cutting game can still hum. Atlanta will counter with Jalen Johnson’s downhill drives and kick-outs.
• Turnovers: Shorthanded groups often win by keeping it simple. The team that protects the ball best will likely control the pace.

“No McCollum or Kispert yet — can Atlanta create enough clean threes?”

Why These Statuses Matter Tonight

Murray’s probable tag is the single biggest swing factor. He stabilizes Denver’s late-game offense and keeps defenses honest. Aaron Gordon’s availability helps Denver survive at the 4/5 with energy and vertical threats. For Atlanta, Porzingis’ status changes spacing on both ends. With him, you must guard 30 feet from the hoop and think twice at the rim. Without him, the Hawks must win with speed, effort, and paint touches.

Timing matters, too. The trade not being finalized means McCollum and Kispert, two high-level shooters and decision-makers, are in street clothes. When they do join, Atlanta’s spacing and crunch-time options will look very different. But for this night in Denver, the Hawks must find answers from within.

The Bottom Line

Friday’s game is a test of resilience and depth for both teams. Denver is without its MVP center but expects its star guard to go. Atlanta is turning the page after a massive trade, but the new pieces are not yet ready, and their best big man is a game-time question.

Expect a grind. Expect role players to matter. And expect the team that controls the glass and the turnovers to walk out with a much-needed win in a season that is changing fast for both clubs.

Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET in Denver.