Brooklyn Nets guarding Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic (Image via Getty) The Brooklyn Nets visit Denver to play the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena with both teams missing key players. This is not a normal version of either side. Injuries have taken away several starters and regular rotation pieces.Because of that, this game will likely be decided by bench players and role players. The Nuggets still have the edge at home, but the Nets have a chance if their fill-ins can hold up for heavy minutes.
Denver Nuggets injuries and likely lineup changes vs Brooklyn Nets (January 29, 2026)
Nikola Jokić is out with a knee bone bruise and will miss at least a few more games. Aaron Gordon is out with a hamstring strain. Christian Braun is also out with an ankle sprain.Jamal Murray is listed as probable with hamstring and hip soreness. He is expected to play, though he may not be at full strength. Tamar Bates remains out long term after foot surgery.With Jokić and Gordon unavailable, Denver has to change how it plays. Jalen Pickett, Peyton Watson, Bruce Brown and Zeke Nnaji should all see bigger roles. The offense will run more through Murray and the guards instead of through a center at the top of the floor.
Brooklyn Nets injuries and thin guard rotation vs Denver Nuggets (January 29, 2026)
Brooklyn Nets are missing several perimeter players. Cam Thomas is out with a hamstring strain. Ziaire Williams is out with a calf injury. Egor Demin is out with a foot issue. Noah Clowney is out because of a back problem, and Haywood Highsmith is out with a knee injury. Terance Mann is questionable and will be decided close to tip-off.These absences leave Spencer Dinwiddie to handle most of the ball work. Nic Claxton becomes even more important as the main rebounder and rim protector.
Brooklyn Nets vs Denver Nuggets Recent meetings between the teams
Denver Nuggets has won four of the last five matchups. The most recent meeting in Denver ended in a 124-105 Nuggets win.Over the full history of the matchup, the series is fairly close, but Denver holds a small overall lead. In recent games, Denver’s size and depth have caused problems for Brooklyn.
Brooklyn season snapshot
– Record: around 11-24Offense: • About 108-110 points per game • Takes many three-point shots but is inconsistentDefense: • About 116-118 points allowed per game • Rebounding is average and weaker when frontcourt players are hurtKey players: • Michael Porter Jr. leads the team in scoring at about 25.9 points per game after joining midseason • Nic Claxton averages about 7.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per gameBrooklyn prefers to play fast and spread the floor, but injuries make that harder to do.
Denver Nuggets season snapshot
– Record: around 27-13Offense: • About 118-120 points per game • Moves the ball well and creates open shotsDefense: • About 112-114 points allowed per game • Usually strong on the boards, though Jokić’s absence hurtsKey players before the injury: • Nikola Jokić averaged about 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and 11.0 assists • Jamal Murray averages roughly 22-24 pointsEven without Jokić, Denver can still score if Murray controls the game.
Where each team has an advantage
Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic vs the Memphis Grizzlies (Image via Getty)
Denver Nuggets: • More shot creation from its guards if Murray plays • Better depth in the frontcourt • Strong home record in DenverBrooklyn Nets: • Can stay in the game with three-point shooting • Can try to speed the game up against a changed Denver lineup • Claxton can protect the rim and limit easy baskets
What the Brooklyn Nets vs Denver Nuggets game could look like
Without several stars, the pace may be slower and the score lower than usual for Denver games. Pickett and Watson should play long stretches and may get more shots than normal. On the other side, Brooklyn’s replacement guards will need to create offense on their own, which could lead to both good plays and turnovers.Also read: Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight vs the Brooklyn Nets? Latest update on the Denver Nuggets star’s injury report (January 29, 2026)Denver is still the safer pick because of its depth and home court. But with so many regulars out, the game could stay close if Brooklyn’s role players handle the extra load.