Basketball fans in Denver and Atlanta were treated to a night of high drama on January 9, 2026, as the Denver Nuggets hosted the Atlanta Hawks at Ball Arena. The much-anticipated interconference clash, scheduled for a 9:00 p.m. EST tip-off, brought together two teams with contrasting recent form, injury woes, and plenty of intrigue about new faces who were notably absent from the court.
Coming into the matchup, the Nuggets boasted an impressive 25-12 record, fresh off a hard-fought 114-110 road win over the Boston Celtics. That game saw Peyton Watson explode for 30 points and six rebounds, while Jamal Murray delivered a masterclass with 22 points, eight rebounds, and a franchise-record 17 assists. As for the Hawks, they arrived in Denver with an 18-21 mark, buoyed by a dominant 117-100 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Zaccharie Risacher led the way for Atlanta with a season-high 25 points and eight rebounds, while Jalen Johnson contributed 19 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Nickeil Alexander-Walker also chipped in with a strong 17-point performance, highlighting the Hawks’ depth.
Yet, as tip-off neared, the headlines shifted from recent heroics to extensive injury lists and the absence of newly acquired talent. The Hawks, who had just completed a blockbuster trade for C.J. McCollum and Corey Kispert from the Washington Wizards as part of the Trae Young deal, were forced to rule out both newcomers. Neither McCollum nor Kispert made their Atlanta debut, as they were not with the team in Denver. Kristaps Porzingis, another key piece for the Hawks, was listed as questionable due to left Achilles tendinitis, but ultimately did not suit up. N’Faly Dante, a promising young center, was also unavailable, sidelined for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL.
On the Denver side, the injury situation was equally daunting. The Nuggets’ injury report featured eight names, including some of their most vital contributors. Jamal Murray, nursing a left ankle sprain and battling illness, was initially listed as probable but ultimately joined the list of absentees. Aaron Gordon, dealing with a right hamstring strain, was also ruled out, as were Christian Braun (ankle), Bruce Brown (knee), and Spencer Jones (ankle, illness). Denver’s star center Nikola Jokic remained sidelined with a knee injury, alongside Cameron Johnson (knee) and Jonas Valanciunas (calf). The attrition forced both teams to dig deep into their benches and adjust their starting lineups on the fly.
The final starting fives reflected the depleted rosters. For the Hawks, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels took the guard spots, with Vit Krejci and Jalen Johnson at forward, and Onyeka Okongwu anchoring the center position. The Nuggets countered with Jalen Pickett and Christian Braun in the backcourt, Hunter Tyson and Peyton Watson at forward, and DaRon Holmes II in the middle. Notably, Zaccharie Risacher and Kristaps Porzingis were missing for Atlanta, while Denver’s lineup was without Jokic, Murray, and Gordon, among others.
Despite the absences, both teams entered the contest with plenty to prove. The Nuggets had won the previous six meetings in the series, including their earlier clash on December 5, and were looking to maintain their dominance over the Hawks. Denver’s offense had been prolific all season, averaging 124.1 points per game—4.7 more than the Hawks typically surrendered (119.4). Conversely, Atlanta’s attack was no slouch, averaging 118.4 points per game, just a tick above the 118.1 points Denver allowed defensively.
The stakes were further heightened by the uncertainty surrounding new additions and potential playoff implications. Atlanta’s trade for McCollum and Kispert had generated significant buzz, with McCollum bringing a wealth of experience and sharpshooting prowess. Through 35 games this season, McCollum had averaged 18.8 points on 45.4% shooting, including a 39.3% clip from beyond the arc. Kispert, meanwhile, had contributed 9.2 points per game on nearly 50% shooting, with a reputation as a reliable three-point threat. Their absence left the Hawks shorthanded, but fans eagerly awaited their eventual debut in the team’s colors.
For Denver, the absence of Jokic and Murray meant a heavier load for emerging talents like Peyton Watson, who had already demonstrated his scoring ability in the win over Boston. Jalen Pickett, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Julian Strawther were also expected to play expanded roles, while DaRon Holmes II provided size and energy in the paint. The Nuggets’ depth was put to the test, with coach Michael Malone needing to find creative solutions to keep the offense humming despite the missing stars.
On the Atlanta side, the focus shifted to rising stars like Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson. Johnson had been a revelation this season, averaging 23.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. Daniels, too, had made his mark with averages of 11.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. The duo’s versatility and athleticism gave the Hawks hope that they could keep pace with Denver’s high-powered attack, even without their full complement of players.
The game was broadcast on multiple networks, including FanDuel Sports Network - Southeast, Altitude Sports, FDSSE, WANF, and Peachtree Sports Network, with streaming available on Fubo and Prime Video. Betting lines favored Atlanta by a narrow -1.5 point spread, reflecting the uncertainty created by the injury situation on both sides. The over/under for total points was set at 233.5, a nod to both teams’ offensive capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities.
As the action got underway, fans were left wondering which supporting cast would step up and seize the moment. Would Peyton Watson build on his breakout performance? Could Jalen Johnson continue his all-around dominance for Atlanta? And how would the absence of so many stars affect the flow and intensity of the game?
One thing was certain: both squads faced a true test of depth, resilience, and adaptability. With the playoff race heating up and new faces waiting in the wings, the outcome of this matchup could have ripple effects throughout the NBA. As the night unfolded at Ball Arena, the only guarantee was that nothing would come easy—and every possession would matter.
With so many key contributors sidelined, the Nuggets and Hawks turned to their young guns and role players to keep their postseason ambitions alive. The battle in Denver was more than just a regular-season game; it was a showcase of grit, determination, and the unpredictable nature of NBA basketball. As fans watched the drama unfold, anticipation continued to build for the return of the stars and the next chapter in this compelling interconference rivalry.
