Denver Nuggets Face Shorthanded Wizards In Crucial NBA Clash

The stage is set in Denver as the Nuggets prepare to host the Washington Wizards at Ball Arena, with tip-off scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET on January 17, 2026. This NBA matchup, broadcast on ALT, KTVD, MNMT2 and streamed on Fubo and Prime Video, pits two teams at very different points in their season journeys. The Nuggets, riding high with a record of 28 wins out of 41 games prior to tonight, look to continue their strong form against a Wizards squad that has managed just 10 victories in 40 outings and is mired in a five-game skid.

Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about the Nuggets’ recent surge. Denver has claimed victory in their last three games and boasts a 5-1 record over their most recent six, a remarkable feat considering the absence of their superstar center, Nikola Jokic. Jokic has now missed nine consecutive games due to a knee bone bruise, a setback that could have derailed many teams’ ambitions. Instead, the Nuggets have rallied, showing resilience and adaptability. In their last outing, Denver toppled the Dallas Mavericks 118-109, with Jamal Murray stepping up in a big way, pouring in 33 points and guiding his team to a statement win.

But the injury bug hasn’t just bitten Jokic. The Nuggets’ injury report is a laundry list of key contributors: Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Jamal Murray (ankle) are both listed as probable, while Bruce Brown (knee) is also probable. Christian Braun (ankle), Jonas Valanciunas (calf), Cameron Johnson (knee), and Tamar Bates (foot) are all sidelined. With so many question marks, Denver’s depth will be tested. Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones are among those expected to shoulder a heavier load. Watson, in particular, has impressed this season, averaging 13.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. The Nuggets faithful will be eager to see if he can continue to deliver under the bright lights.

Denver’s expected starting five for this clash features Spencer Jones at small forward, Peyton Watson at power forward, Jalen Pickett running the point, Tim Hardaway Jr. at the other forward spot, and Zeke Nnaji anchoring the paint at center. With Jokic out, the Nuggets’ offensive schemes have shifted, but the team has managed an average of 111.4 points per game since his absence—an uptick to 115.5 in their six wins. Still, they haven’t cracked the 120-point mark in seven of those nine games, suggesting a more balanced, grind-it-out approach.

On the other side of the court, the Wizards are desperately searching for answers. Washington has dropped five straight and is 0-3 to start their current road trip. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Sacramento Kings, a 128-115 loss in which Alex Sarr led the way with 19 points. The Wizards fell behind by 19 after the first quarter and couldn’t claw back—a recurring theme in a season filled with frustration. The team’s injury woes are significant as well. Trae Young (knee, quadriceps), Cam Whitmore (shoulder, out for season), Bilal Coulibaly (back), and Khris Middleton (knee) are all unavailable, while Tristan Vukcevic is questionable with a knee issue. This depleted roster has had to rely heavily on emerging talents like Sarr and Kyshawn George.

Sarr has been a bright spot, averaging 16.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. George, meanwhile, contributes 14.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per contest. The expected starting five for Washington includes Tre Johnson at point guard, Kyshawn George at shooting guard, Justin Champagnie at small forward, Khris Middleton at power forward, and Alex Sarr at center. With so many regulars out, the Wizards are counting on their young core to step up and perhaps pull off a surprise in Denver.

For those keeping an eye on the numbers, the betting lines have been set with the Nuggets favored by 12.5 points, and the over/under for total points at 231.5. The Wizards have struggled mightily on the road, with only four wins away from home all season. All five of their recent losses have come by at least 13 points, and they haven’t covered the spread in their last eight defeats. The Nuggets, meanwhile, are 25-3 against the spread in outright victories, making them a tempting pick for bettors. As for the total, Denver’s recent scoring trends suggest the game could stay under the projected mark, especially if their defense holds firm against a shorthanded Wizards lineup.

Historically, the Wizards have found some success in this season series, having won both previous meetings. But momentum is clearly with the Nuggets, who are playing at home for just the third time in their last twelve games. Denver’s home record stands at 11-6, and the altitude of Ball Arena often gives them an added edge against visiting teams, particularly those on the second night of a back-to-back like Washington.

Quotes from the teams have reflected the current mood. According to ESPN, Nuggets guard Jamal Murray said after the Dallas win, "We know we have to step up with Nikola out. Everybody’s got to do a little more, and that’s what we’re doing." Wizards coach, meanwhile, acknowledged the uphill battle, stating, "Injuries have hit us hard, but it’s an opportunity for our young guys to show what they can do. We’re not backing down."

In terms of individual performances, Jamal Murray has been electric, averaging 25.8 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. His playmaking and scoring have been crucial in Jokic’s absence. For the Wizards, Sarr’s consistent output and George’s all-around contributions have kept the team competitive, even as wins have been hard to come by.

The Wizards’ recent loss to Sacramento was emblematic of their struggles: falling behind early, unable to recover, and ultimately outgunned despite flashes of promise from Sarr and others. With a depleted roster and a tough road environment, Washington faces an uphill climb in Denver. Still, in the unpredictable world of the NBA, anything can happen. The Nuggets may be heavy favorites, but the Wizards’ young core is hungry to make a statement.

As tip-off approaches, all eyes will be on Ball Arena to see if Denver can extend their winning streak or if Washington can finally snap out of their slump. With both teams dealing with injuries and lineup shuffles, it’s anyone’s guess how the game will play out. One thing’s for sure: the action promises to be intense, and fans won’t want to miss a minute of it.

With the matchup underway, the outcome remains up in the air. Will the Nuggets’ depth and home-court advantage carry them through, or can the Wizards’ young stars rise to the occasion? The NBA drama continues in Denver tonight.