Injury Concerns Overshadow Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans Matchup
The Denver Nuggets travel to New Orleans on January 13, 2026, for what promises to be an unusual NBA contest. This regular-season game will not showcase full-strength rosters. Instead, it becomes a battle of depth and basic execution as both teams grapple with significant injury problems.
Roster Challenges for Both Sides
Denver enters the game with a solid 26-13 record, but their performance has shifted dramatically due to missing personnel. The absence of key players forces the Nuggets to adopt different strategies. New Orleans, holding a 9-32 record, has faced injury issues throughout the season. Their lineup changes have become routine rather than exceptional.
With limited options available on both benches, this contest likely features a slower, more physical pace. Easy scoring opportunities may prove scarce as teams rely on fundamental basketball.
Denver Nuggets Injury Report
The Denver Nuggets face substantial absences for this game. Nikola Jokic will not play due to a left ankle bone bruise. His absence creates a major void, as Jokic averages over 29 points per game and serves as the team's primary playmaker and scorer.
Jamal Murray carries a questionable status because of a left ankle sprain and illness. Christian Braun remains out with a left ankle sprain, while Cam Johnson sits with a right knee bone bruise. Tamar Bates continues recovery from left foot surgery.
Aaron Gordon appears probable despite managing a right hamstring strain. Spencer Jones also holds probable status while dealing with left ankle inflammation and illness.
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Situation
The New Orleans Pelicans miss several rotation players for this matchup. Dejounte Murray will not participate due to a right Achilles rupture. Herb Jones sits out with a right ankle sprain, and Jose Alvarado remains sidelined by a left oblique strain.
Jonas Valanciunas also misses the game because of a right calf strain. Saddiq Bey carries questionable status with a right hip flexor strain. If Bey plays, he becomes one of New Orleans' few reliable scoring options.
Team Performance Overview
Despite injury challenges, the Denver Nuggets continue winning games. They average 122.7 points per contest and recently secured a 108-104 victory over Milwaukee. That win demonstrated their ability to lean on defense and guard play when Jokic remains unavailable.
The New Orleans Pelicans struggle consistently this season. Their 9-32 record reflects ongoing problems on both offense and defense. Injuries exacerbate these issues. Bey provides some stability with approximately 15 points and five rebounds per game, but the roster depth falls sharply beyond his contributions.
Broadcast Information and Game Details
The game tips off at 6:00 PM MT (7:00 PM CT) at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. ESPN carries national broadcast coverage. Local viewers can watch on Altitude TV for Nuggets coverage and through Pelicans broadcasts in New Orleans. NBA League Pass offers access for out-of-market viewers.
Key Factors to Watch
Denver must discover scoring methods and organizational structure without Jokic directing the offense. New Orleans simply aims to stay competitive with a depleted lineup. This contest likely hinges on defensive effort, rebounding battles, and which bench unit maintains energy longer.
The injury situation transforms what could have been a routine matchup into a compelling test of roster depth and coaching adjustments. Both teams face unique challenges that make this January game particularly noteworthy for NBA observers.
