A crucial NBA regular season game is set for January 11, 2026, at the Ball Arena in Denver, where the visiting Milwaukee Bucks will take on the Denver Nuggets. This matchup is defined less by current form and more by the stark contrast in player availability between the two squads.
Injury Report: A Tale of Two Teams
The health situations of the two franchises heading into this contest could not be more different. The Milwaukee Bucks are in a relatively strong position. Their report is short, with only Taurean Prince confirmed out following neck surgery. Kevin Porter Jr. is listed as probable with a right hip contusion. The most significant positive update is that superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is fully available and has been playing without any restrictions since his return to the lineup.
In contrast, the Denver Nuggets are navigating a severe injury crisis. The team will be without its cornerstone, as Nikola Jokić is ruled out due to a knee injury. The frontcourt depth is further depleted with Jonas Valanciunas (calf), Cameron Johnson (knee), and Tamar Bates (foot) all sidelined. Spencer Jones is questionable with an ankle problem. The backcourt also faces uncertainty, with star guard Jamal Murray listed as questionable because of a left ankle injury. While Christian Braun (ankle) and Aaron Gordon (hamstring) are expected to play, they are also dealing with nagging issues.
Team Form and Season Records
The Milwaukee Bucks enter this road game with a season record of 17 wins and 21 losses. However, their fortunes have seen a notable uptick recently. Since the return of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have secured five victories in their last seven outings, with their offensive execution showing marked improvement and consistency.
The Denver Nuggets, despite their injury woes, hold a strong 25-13 record and continue to lead the competitive Western Conference. However, analytics and on-court performance indicate a significant drop in their net rating when Jokić is not on the floor. The reigning MVP averages 21.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game, and his absence creates a void on both offense and defense that is challenging to fill.
Game Dynamics and How to Watch
The key strategic battle will likely be in the paint. The Bucks, with a fully operational Giannis, are expected to attack the interior early and often, exploiting Denver's depleted front line. Milwaukee's confidence will be high after recent impressive road wins against teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics.
Denver's hopes hinge heavily on the availability of Jamal Murray. If he plays, he will need to shoulder a massive offensive load. If he is limited or sits, the Nuggets' ability to execute in clutch moments—a problem highlighted in a recent loss to the Atlanta Hawks—will be severely tested. The performance of their role players and the resilience of their rotation will be critical.
Fans can catch all the action live. The game tips off at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). National television coverage will be provided by TNT. For streaming, options include NBA League Pass, Fubo, and DirecTV Stream. Radio listeners can tune into SiriusXM NBA Radio, which will carry separate broadcasts for Bucks and Nuggets commentary. Live stats and updates will be available on the official NBA website throughout the game.
