The Denver Nuggets head to the American Airlines Center on January 14, 2026, for a Western Conference test against the Dallas Mavericks, and both sides are shorthanded. Tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. CT). With stars sidelined and roles shifting, this matchup will be as much about problem-solving as it is about shot-making.

The headline absence is Denver’s two-time engine Nikola Jokic, who will not play due to a knee bone bruise. Across the floor, Dallas will also be without Anthony Davis, ruled out with a left finger sprain. Those two decisions alone reshape the game plan for both coaches and set the tone for a night defined by adjustments and depth.

Injury report: Jokic out, Davis out; Gordon probable, Braun out

Denver’s injury picture is led by Jokic’s knee issue, a major blow to the Nuggets’ scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. The official NBA injury report lists guard-forward Christian Braun as out with a left ankle sprain, while Aaron Gordon is probable with a right hamstring strain. There have been conflicting updates across outlets regarding other names, including Jamal Murray, but the confirmed anchors are clear: Jokic is out; Braun is out; Gordon is trending toward playing.

For Dallas, the big note is the loss of Anthony Davis to a left finger sprain. That leaves the Mavericks thinner in the frontcourt and places added pressure on role players and hustle bigs to cover the glass and protect the rim.

“No Jokic, no Davis — this is a chess match now, not a star duel.”

Nuggets without Jokic: More guard usage, more pace, and shared creation

Even without Jokic, Denver has shown it can steady the ship. The Nuggets have won four of their past five, leaning on guard-driven offense and crisp ball movement. Jamal Murray’s load grows in these spots, and his season line — 24.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists — speaks to his ability to toggle between scorer and organizer. Expect more dribble handoffs, drive-and-kick, and a quicker pace to create early advantages.

If Gordon goes, Denver gains a powerful rim runner and switchable defender. The expected configuration has Gordon playing up a spot at center, with length and activity around him: Bruce Brown on the wing, Peyton Watson at forward, and Spencer Jones spacing. The projected starting group: Murray (PG), Brown (SG), Jones (SF), Watson (PF), Gordon (C). That alignment prioritizes speed and versatility, and it asks the whole group to rebound.

With Jokic out, the Nuggets also need steady production from their supporting wings. Naji Marshall (13.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists) and Max Christie (12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists) have provided helpful two-way minutes this season. Their ability to hit open threes, cut hard, and defend multiple positions becomes a quiet swing factor.

“Is Murray enough without Jokic’s gravity, or do the wings have to win this game?”

Mavericks’ challenge: Frontcourt depth and finding easy points

Dallas enters at 15-25, hovering around 12th in the West, and recent form shows the stress of thin depth: 4-6 in the last 10 and 3-7 in a recent stretch. The Mavericks have scored 112.1 points per game over their past 10, but they’ve allowed 118.3, a margin that puts pressure on their offense to keep pace. Without Anthony Davis, that defensive problem can get louder, especially on the glass and in rim protection.

For the Mavericks, this becomes a game about grit and role players. Jaden Hardy’s energy and shot creation will matter, while Dwight Powell’s screening, rebounding, and rim runs could keep the offense moving. Home court helps — the American Airlines Center can lift the defense when it needs stops — but the group must commit to ending possessions and staying in front of ball-handlers.

Form guide and the numbers that matter

Denver’s 27-13 record (third in the West) reflects a team that wins the math battles: efficient offense and a defense that limits runs. Over the last 10 games, they’ve averaged 115.2 points while allowing 110.8, good for a 6-4 mark. The Mavericks, by contrast, are searching for rhythm and defensive consistency; their recent numbers underline the need for a reset night at home.

One notable trend: the combined score of these teams has hit 225.5 points in 29 out of 40 games. That suggests pace and shot-making can spike, especially if turnovers create easy run-outs. Without Jokic’s deliberate half-court tempo, Denver might run more; Dallas, missing frontcourt punch, may also push to avoid grinding possessions.

“If Dallas can own second-chance points, this flips fast — even without AD.”

Key matchups to watch in Dallas

• Jamal Murray vs. Mavericks’ primary guard defenders: Can Murray’s mix of pull-ups and drive-and-kick bend the Dallas shell? If he draws help, corner threes will be there.
• Aaron Gordon (probable) vs. Dallas bigs: Gordon’s power at the five can tilt the rebounding battle. His short-roll playmaking is vital with Jokic out.
• Nuggets’ wings vs. Dallas’ spacing: Naji Marshall and Max Christie will need to hit shots and contain drives. Their two-way steadiness can swing bench minutes.
• Dallas bench spark: Hardy’s pace and Powell’s screens must generate easy looks. If Dallas can rack up paint touches, they can slow Denver’s transition game.

What each team needs to do

Nuggets: Keep the ball humming, gang rebound, and avoid empty possessions. Without Jokic, the pass is the star — quick decisions and strong cuts can replace post reads. Defensively, they must wall off the rim and trust rotations behind their switches.

Mavericks: Protect the paint and the glass, then run. Hunt extra points in transition and at the free-throw line. With Davis out, the whole unit must box out and finish plays. If they keep Denver to one shot and avoid fouls, their home crowd can help carry late.

Players to note

• Nikola Jokic: Out (knee bone bruise). Nuggets’ offense, rebounding, and playmaking all look different without him. He still averages 18.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 6.5 assists — production Denver must replace by committee.
• Jamal Murray: 24.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists. He becomes the first option and late-clock answer.
• Aaron Gordon: Probable (hamstring). His vertical spacing and defense are essential to Denver’s small-ball look.
• Anthony Davis: Out (left finger sprain). Dallas must manufacture interior resistance and second-chance points without him.

Final word

This one will test depth, poise, and coaching. Denver has been consistent even when short-handed, while Dallas needs a spark to steady a shaky stretch. If the Nuggets’ guards control tempo and Gordon is close to full speed, the visitors’ structure may hold. If the Mavericks pound the glass, nail corner threes, and ride the home crowd, they can flip the script.

Either way, expect a game that rewards the team that does the simple things best: defend without fouling, finish possessions, share the ball, and sprint the floor. With stars sidelined, the margins decide it.