Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight vs the Dallas Mavericks? Latest update on the Denver Nuggets star's injury report (January 14, 2026)

Nikola Jokic will not play when the Denver Nuggets face the Dallas Mavericks on January 14, 2026. A knee injury has ruled him out, forcing Denver to approach this game without the player who usually controls every part of their offense. What was expected to be a high-profile Western Conference matchup now becomes a test of depth, rotation management, and decision-making on both sides.The Nuggets arrive in Dallas with a strong overall record, but this game presents a different challenge. Jokic’s absence changes how Denver runs its offense, spaces the floor, and finishes possessions. Dallas, despite its struggles this season, gets a clear opportunity to take advantage of a weakened opponent at home.Nikola Jokic is dealing with a bone bruise in his knee and has been officially ruled out. His absence is part of a wider injury problem for Denver Nuggets. Cameron Johnson is also out with a knee injury, while Jonas Valanciunas will miss the game due to a calf strain. Christian Braun is listed as questionable with an ankle sprain.Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon are listed as game-time decisions, and whether they play could shape the entire night for Denver. Without Jokic, the Nuggets are missing their top scorer, rebounder, and playmaker all at once. That shifts the offense toward the guards, with less time spent running sets through the middle and more emphasis on quick reads and ball movement.Dallas is also dealing with injuries. P.J. Washington is out with an ankle issue, and Dereck Lively II will miss the game because of a foot injury. Losing both players thins the frontcourt and makes it harder for Dallas to protect the rim.Even so, Dallas benefits from playing at home and facing a Nuggets team missing its most important player. That context has pushed the Mavericks into the role of slight favorites despite their overall record.Before the injury, Jokic was once again producing at an elite level. He was averaging near triple-doubles and leading an offense shooting above 50 percent from the field. Nearly every Denver possession flowed through him, whether he was scoring, passing, or drawing defensive attention.When Jokic is out, Jamal Murray carries more of the load. He has been putting up about 24 points, over four rebounds, and close to seven assists per game. Those numbers help keep Denver competitive, but they don’t replace what Jokic brings, especially when games slow down and possessions matter late.Denver comes in with a 22-9 record and has been reliable on the road at 12-4. Dallas is 12-21, but the circumstances give them a chance to change the direction of their season.Also read: Denver Nuggets vs Dallas Mavericks injury report: Injured and questionable players, where to watch, team stats, and more (January 14, 2026)This game comes down to how clean both teams play. Denver has to be careful with minutes and limit errors without its main decision-maker on the floor. Dallas has an opening, but it still needs to play within itself. With several players listed as questionable, neither team may know its full rotation until right before the game starts.