Milwaukee Bucks vs Denver Nuggets NBA Clash: Injury Reports, Lineups & Predictions
The National Basketball Association is gearing up for another thrilling encounter as the Milwaukee Bucks prepare to face off against the Denver Nuggets in what promises to be a captivating Friday night showdown. This highly anticipated matchup brings together two teams with contrasting recent performances, setting the stage for an intense battle on the hardwood.
When and Where to Watch the Game
The Milwaukee Bucks will welcome the Denver Nuggets to their home court at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The game is scheduled to tip off at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, January 23, 2026. For television viewers, the game will be broadcast exclusively on FDSWI and ALT channels. Basketball enthusiasts preferring online streaming can catch all the action through Fubo and Prime Video platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage for fans across different viewing preferences.
Expected Starting Lineups
Milwaukee Bucks:
- Ryan Rollins (Point Guard)
- Gary Harris (Shooting Guard)
- Kyle Kuzma (Small Forward)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Power Forward)
- Thanasis Antetokounmpo (Center)
Denver Nuggets:
- Jalen Pickett (Point Guard)
- Bruce Brown (Shooting Guard)
- Tim Hardaway Jr. (Small Forward)
- Spencer Jones (Power Forward)
- Zeke Nnaji (Center)
Injury Report Analysis
The injury situation presents significant challenges for both teams heading into this crucial matchup. For the Milwaukee Bucks, the absence of key players could impact their defensive strategies. Kevin Porter Jr. remains OUT with an oblique injury, while Taurean Prince is also sidelined under the Disabled Player Exception. The team faces additional concerns with Gary Trent Jr., AJ Green, and Myles Turner all listed as QUESTIONABLE due to various health issues including illness and ankle problems.
The Denver Nuggets are dealing with their own injury woes, most notably missing their star player Nikola Jokic who is OUT with a knee injury. Cameron Johnson joins him on the sidelines with a similar knee issue. The team's injury list extends further with Tamar Bates (foot) and Christian Braun (ankle) both ruled OUT. Several key players including Aaron Gordon, Jonas Valanciunas, Peyton Watson, and Jamal Murray are all QUESTIONABLE with various injuries ranging from hamstring and calf problems to hip concerns.
Team Performance and Game Prediction
Analyzing the teams' current season performances reveals interesting dynamics. The Milwaukee Bucks have secured victories in 18 out of their 43 games played so far, demonstrating a mixed record that leaves room for improvement. Their offensive capabilities are highlighted by scoring 214.5 points in 34 of their games, showing consistent scoring potential when they find their rhythm.
The Denver Nuggets present a stronger statistical profile with 30 wins from 45 games, indicating better overall performance this season. Interestingly, they've matched the Bucks' scoring achievement of 214.5 points, accomplishing this in 39 of their games, suggesting more consistent offensive output throughout their campaign.
The Bucks' success largely hinges on their star players, with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the charge with impressive averages of 28.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per game this season. Ryan Rollins provides valuable support with averages of 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, creating a formidable offensive duo that the Nuggets must contain.
For the Denver Nuggets, Tim Hardaway Jr. has been instrumental with averages of 13.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, while Bruce Brown contributes 7.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. These efficient players have helped position the team favorably as they approach the season's crucial stages.
Given the extensive injury reports affecting both squads, this matchup becomes particularly challenging to predict. The absence of key players like Nikola Jokic for the Nuggets and potential missing contributors for the Bucks could significantly alter team dynamics. However, with both teams boasting capable rosters and the home court advantage for Milwaukee, this game promises to deliver competitive basketball with strategic adjustments from both coaching staffs to compensate for their respective injury situations.
