Nuggets vs Knicks: Injury Reports and Key Matchups for February 4, 2026 Clash

A highly anticipated NBA matchup is set for February 4, 2026, as the Denver Nuggets travel to face the New York Knicks. Both teams are positioned near the top of their respective conferences, making this game crucial for playoff positioning. However, injury concerns on both sides are expected to significantly influence rotations, defensive strategies, and overall game pace.

Denver Nuggets Injury Report and Rotation Adjustments

The Denver Nuggets continue to navigate their season without their superstar center, Nikola Jokić. Jokić remains sidelined with a knee injury that has extended beyond the initial four-week recovery estimate. His absence forces the team to rely heavily on guard Jamal Murray for both scoring and playmaking responsibilities.

Denver Nuggets Injury Report for February 4, 2026:

Nikola Jokić (C): Knee injury - OUT
Cameron Johnson (SF): Knee injury - OUT until at least February 7
Christian Braun (SG): Ankle issue - Game-Time Decision

Johnson's absence reduces Denver's wing depth and outside shooting capability, while Braun's potential unavailability could impact perimeter defense and bench utilization. In response, the Nuggets have distributed minutes among key players like Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and centers DeAndre Jordan and Jonas Valančiūnas, depending on matchups. The team is actively working to maintain offensive consistency without Jokić, though this remains a challenging task.

New York Knicks Injury Report and Winning Streak

The New York Knicks enter this matchup riding an impressive seven-game winning streak, despite managing several injuries that have shortened their rotation. Their resilience has been a testament to their depth and coaching strategy.

New York Knicks Injury Report for February 4, 2026:

Josh Hart (SF): Ankle issue - Game-Time Decision
Miles McBride (PG): Ankle injury - OUT until at least February 6
Kevin McCullar Jr. (SG): Calf injury - OUT until at least February 6

Additionally, center Mitchell Robinson is dealing with left ankle soreness and is considered day-to-day. If Robinson's minutes are limited, Karl-Anthony Towns is expected to shoulder more responsibilities in rebounding and rim protection. The Knicks' recent success has been built on a foundation of strong defense and balanced scoring, with players stepping up to fill gaps left by injuries.

Head-to-Head History and Recent Results

Historically, Denver leads the all-time regular-season series against New York with a record of 52-49. However, the Knicks have won the last two meetings between these teams, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this contest.

Both teams are playing on the second night of a back-to-back schedule. In their previous game, the Knicks dominated the Washington Wizards with a 132-101 victory, marking their fourth win during the streak by at least 25 points. Conversely, the Nuggets suffered a narrow 124-121 loss to the Detroit Pistons, despite mounting a comeback from a 20-point deficit.

Team Statistics and Key Players

Denver Nuggets (33-17, 3rd in Western Conference):

Points per game: 119.9 (6th in NBA)
Points allowed: 115.7 (9th in NBA)
Net rating: +4.2 (8th in NBA)
Rebounds: 42.4 per game (9th in NBA)
Three-point percentage: 34.7% (22nd in NBA)

Jamal Murray has elevated his game in Jokić's absence, averaging approximately 25.6 points per game and taking on a larger role in clutch situations.

New York Knicks (31-18, 1st in Atlantic Division):

Points per game: Approximately 118-119 (Top 10 in NBA)
Points allowed: Approximately 111-112 (Top 5 in NBA)
Net rating: Strongly positive
Rebounds: Approximately 46.5 per game (Elite level)

Jalen Brunson has been a standout performer, averaging around 27.0 points and 6.5 assists per game. Karl-Anthony Towns contributes more than 20 points and over 12 rebounds per game, providing New York with consistent scoring both inside and outside the paint.

Key Matchups and Game Predictions

Several individual matchups could dictate the outcome of this game. The duel between Jalen Brunson and Denver's guards will be critical, especially if Christian Braun is unable to play. Karl-Anthony Towns may exploit Denver's frontcourt weakness in the absence of Jokić, particularly in rebounding scenarios. Additionally, the length and defensive prowess of Knicks' wings Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby could pressure Denver's shooters, forcing them into difficult shot attempts.

The Knicks are favored by about 6.5 points, leveraging home-court advantage, current form, and Denver's injury woes. However, Jamal Murray's scoring ability ensures that Denver remains competitive in close games. For the Nuggets to succeed, they will need efficient scoring from Murray and steady contributions from role players. Meanwhile, New York is expected to rely on Brunson, Towns, and their structured defense to extend their winning streak.

Game-time decisions for Christian Braun and Josh Hart will be pivotal, as their availability could significantly affect perimeter defense and rebounding dynamics. Ultimately, the result may hinge on execution in half-court offensive sets and the contributions from available starters on both sides.