Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight vs the Cleveland Cavaliers? Latest update on the Denver Nuggets star's injury report (January 2, 2026)

Nikola Jokic will not play tonight when the Denver Nuggets face the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 2, 2026. Denver has ruled out its starting center as he continues to recover from a left knee hyperextension, an injury the team expects will keep him out for at least four weeks.This game was expected to be one of the more notable matchups of the week. Instead, it arrives with Denver missing much of its regular rotation and focused on getting through the night without further issues. The Nuggets are deep into an Eastern Conference road trip and are clearly thinking beyond a single January game.The Denver Nuggets confirmed earlier in the day that Nikola Jokic will not suit up in Cleveland. His absence is part of a planned recovery process, not a late decision or short-term rest.The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Rocket Arena, which means fans in India will be watching early on January 3. There has been no indication from the team that a return was ever on the table for this matchup.Nikola Jokic suffered a hyperextension of his left knee earlier in the week, with additional concern around a bone bruise. Denver has already outlined a recovery window of more than four weeks, with a re-evaluation expected in about a month.Before the injury, he was averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11 assists per game. His absence has already affected Denver’s short-term outlook and could play a role in how the MVP race unfolds this season.Jokic is only one of several Nuggets unavailable tonight. Denver’s injury report is one of the longest it has carried all season, especially in the frontcourt.Jamal Murray is listed with an ankle sprain but is expected to play, which would leave him as the clear focal point of Denver’s offense.Without Jokic, Denver Nuggets loses its main scorer, rebounder, and playmaker. The offense becomes more guard-driven, with fewer easy looks created through the center position.Also read: Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers regular season game: Full injury report, who's out, where to watch, and more (January 2, 2025)Cleveland enters with a healthier lineup and a clear advantage inside. For the Cavaliers, this is a game they are expected to control. For the Denver Nuggets, it is about staying competitive and getting through the night as they wait for their MVP to return later in the month.