Atlanta Hawks vs Denver Nuggets (Image via Getty) The Atlanta Hawks play the Denver Nuggets on January 9, 2026, at Ball Arena. Both teams are facing with injuries that affect their rotations and game plans. With several starters unavailable or limited, this matchup is expected to rely heavily on depth and decision-making rather than performances from usual stars.Denver has stayed competitive despite missing key players, while Atlanta continues to adjust after recent roster changes. Neither team is at full strength, which puts added pressure on role players to fill minutes and handle larger responsibilities.
Atlanta Hawks vs Denver Nuggets Injury Report and Availability (January 9, 2026)
Denver Nuggets will be without Nikola Jokic, who is sidelined with a left knee bone bruise. Jonas Valanciunas is also out due to a right calf strain, leaving the Nuggets thin in the frontcourt.Several regulars are expected to play. Aaron Gordon is listed as probable with a right hamstring strain. Christian Braun is probable with a left ankle sprain, and Jamal Murray is probable while dealing with a left ankle sprain and illness. Spencer Jones is questionable after leaving a recent game early because of left ankle inflammation and illness.Atlanta Hawks will be without Trae Young, who is not with the team following a trade. N’Faly Dante is out with a torn ACL. Onyeka Okongwu is listed as questionable due to illness, which could impact Atlanta’s interior defense and rebounding.
Where to Watch the Atlanta Hawks vs Denver Nuggets Game (January 9, 2026)
The game tips off at 9:00 PM ET. It will air nationally on TNT and can be streamed on NBA League Pass. Local broadcasts include Altitude TV for Nuggets coverage and Bally Sports Southeast for Hawks coverage. Radio listeners can tune in on SiriusXM NBA Radio, with live stats available through NBA.com and team apps.
Atlanta Hawks vs Denver Nuggets Team Stats and Context
Denver is 22-10 in games Jokic has played but 3-2 without him, posting a net rating of minus 1.8 per 100 possessions in those games. Atlanta entered this stretch around .500 and has struggled to find consistency since moving on from Young.TeamRecord (Recent)Off. RatingDef. RatingKey Stat Nuggets 25-12 est. 115.2 108.0 Jokic out: -1.8 net Hawks 15-12 est. 112.5 110.2 Post-Young slumpAlso read: Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight vs the Atlanta Hawks? Latest update on the Denver Nuggets star’s injury report (January 9, 2026)
Hawks vs Nuggets Game Outlook
Without Jokic, Denver Nuggets will lean on Murray and Gordon to run the offense. Atlanta may look to attack inside if Okongwu is available, given Denver’s limited frontcourt depth. With several Nuggets starters expected to play, Denver is favored by 1.5 points, with the total set at 233.5. The outcome is likely to depend on bench production and how well each team manages short rotations.