Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic and Dallas Mavericks’ Anthony Davis (Image via Getty) Nikola Jokic will not play when the Denver Nuggets face the Washington Wizards on January 22, 2026. The Denver center remains out with a left knee bone bruise, extending his absence to 13 straight games. The team has been without its best player for nearly a month and continues to adjust as the regular season moves on.Denver has managed to stay competitive despite the loss. In the games Jokic has missed, the Nuggets are 7-5. The offense looks different, the margin for error is smaller, and the workload on the remaining starters has increased. Still, Denver remains near the top of the Western Conference standings.
Nikola Jokic’s Current Injury Status vs Washington Wizards (January 22, 2026)
Nikola Jokic injured his left knee on December 29, 2025, against the Miami Heat after hyperextending it during play. He did not return for the second half. Follow-up imaging showed a bone bruise with no ligament damage, which ruled out surgery but required rest and rehab.The Nuggets set a reevaluation window around January 30. Jokic has since returned to limited on-court work, but he is still listed as out for Thursday’s game in Washington. A return before the end of January remains uncertain, and the team has shown no urgency to rush him back.
Denver Nuggets vs Washington Wizards Game Overview (January 22, 2026)
Denver Nuggets enter the matchup with a 29-15 record, third in the Western Conference. The Nuggets are coming off losses to the Lakers and Hornets but defeated Washington 121-115 on January 17. In that game, Jamal Murray led the way with 42 points while Denver leaned heavily on guard play.Thursday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena. Denver remains favored, even with multiple rotation players unavailable.
Denver Nuggets’ Injury Situation Without Jokic
Nikola Jokic is not the only player sidelined. Cameron Johnson is out with a knee injury, Christian Braun remains out with an ankle issue, and Tamar Bates is sidelined with a foot injury. Jamal Murray (hip), Aaron Gordon (hamstring), and Tim Hardaway Jr. (knee) are all listed as probable. Jonas Valanciunas is questionable due to a calf issue.Without Jokic’s averages of 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11.0 assists per game, Denver has relied on Murray to carry the offense, with players like Peyton Watson taking on larger roles.
Washington’s Ongoing Struggles
Washington enters the game on a seven-game losing streak. The Wizards will be without Trae Young, Tristan Vukcevic, and Cam Whitmore. Marvin Bagley III, Bilal Coulibaly, AJ Johnson, and Khris Middleton are all questionable.Kyshawn George has been one of the few steady contributors, averaging 15 points and four assists, but injuries have left Washington short-handed again.
What Nikola Jokic’s Absence Means for Denver Nuggets
Before the injury, Jokic was playing at an MVP level and was firmly in the early award conversation. His absence has made his importance clear, but Denver’s ability to stay competitive without him has kept the team in the title picture.Also read: Is LaMelo Ball playing tonight vs the Orlando Magic? Latest update on the Charlotte Hornets star’s injury report (January 22, 2026)A return in late January or early February remains possible, though the Nuggets are expected to manage his minutes carefully once he’s back.