The Denver Nuggets continue their road trip with a Southwest Division matchup against the slumping Dallas Mavericks, aiming to extend their winning streak against a depleted opponent. Denver, one of the Western Conference’s top teams, has been dominant lately despite key absences, while Dallas is mired in a disappointing season plagued by injuries to star players. This is the third meeting of the 2025-26 season, with the Mavericks sweeping the first two: a 131-121 home win on December 1, 2025, and a narrow 131-130 victory in Denver on December 23, 2025. Expect a competitive game, but Denver’s depth and efficiency give them the edge in what could be a lower-scoring affair due to both teams’ injury issues.
Venue Location
American Airlines Center
2500 Victory Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75219 Home to the Mavericks since 2001, this 20,000-seat arena is known for its high-energy crowds, though attendance has dipped amid Dallas’ struggles. Tickets for this midweek game start around $20-30, with premium options available via resale markets.
Tipoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. local CT) TV: ESPN (national), Altitude Sports (Nuggets local), KFAA 29 (Mavericks local)
Streaming: NBA League Pass (blackout restrictions may apply), ESPN+
Injury Report
Both teams are hit hard by injuries, with Dallas particularly thin in the frontcourt and backcourt. Final statuses will be confirmed closer to tip-off; monitor official reports for updates.
Denver Nuggets Injuries:
Nikola Jokic (C): Out (left ankle bone bruise). The MVP candidate’s absence is a huge blow to Denver’s offense and rebounding; expected back in February.
Christian Braun (G): Out (left ankle sprain). Dealing with ligament damage; sidelined after a brief return.
Cam Johnson (F): Out (right knee bone bruise). Out indefinitely, weakening wing depth.
Tamar Bates (G): Out (left foot surgery/fracture). Long-term absence.
Jamal Murray (G): Probable (left ankle sprain/illness). Recently available after missing time; expected to play but monitored.
Aaron Gordon (F): Probable (right hamstring strain). Managing the injury but has been active.
Spencer Jones (F): Probable (left ankle inflammation/illness). Likely available after recent recovery.
Without Jokic, Denver relies on Jamal Murray (averaging 25+ PPG lately) and Aaron Gordon for scoring, with Michael Porter Jr. and reserves stepping up in the paint.
Dallas Mavericks Injuries:
Anthony Davis (F/C): Out (left finger sprain/ligament damage). Expected to miss 6 weeks; no surgery needed, but a major loss for rim protection and scoring.
Kyrie Irving (G): Out (left knee surgery). Sidelined indefinitely, hurting Dallas’ playmaking.
Dante Exum (G): Out (right knee surgery). Long-term absence.
Dereck Lively II (C): Out (right foot surgery). Further thins the frontcourt.
Max Christie (G): Doubtful (illness). Unlikely to suit up.
P.J. Washington (F): Questionable (right ankle sprain). Game-time decision; key for defense if available.
Brandon Williams (G): Questionable (illness). Status uncertain.
Cooper Flagg (F): Questionable (left ankle injury). The rookie’s athleticism is missed if out.
Moussa Cisse (C): Questionable (G League – two-way). Limited impact.
Miles Kelly (G): Questionable (G League – two-way).
Dallas will lean on Cooper Flagg (if cleared) and D’Angelo Russell for offense, with Daniel Gafford anchoring the depleted frontcourt.
Key Player Matchups to Watch
With stars out on both sides, this game will test bench depth and young talent in key battles.
Jamal Murray (Nuggets) vs. D’Angelo Russell (Mavericks): Murray, Denver’s primary scorer without Jokic, averages 43 points in big games and torched Dallas for 31 in their last meeting. Russell provides crafty scoring for Dallas but struggles defensively—expect Murray to exploit mismatches for 25+ points.
Aaron Gordon (Nuggets) vs. Cooper Flagg (Mavericks): Gordon’s athleticism and rebounding (double-doubles common) will challenge Flagg, the rookie sensation (33 points in the Dec. 23 win). If Flagg plays, his defense could limit Gordon’s drives; otherwise, Dallas lacks size.
Michael Porter Jr. (Nuggets) vs. P.J. Washington (Mavericks): Porter Jr.’s shooting (18-20 PPG) stretches the floor; Washington (if available) brings versatility but has been inconsistent. This wing matchup could decide three-point volume.
Bench Battle: Julian Strawther (Nuggets) vs. Daniel Gafford (Mavericks): Strawther adds energy off the bench for Denver, while Gafford must rebound without Davis and Lively—Dallas’ paint protection is vulnerable.
Overall, Denver’s offense (122.7 PPG, 1st in NBA) faces a Mavericks defense allowing 118 PPG (bottom-10). Dallas scores just 112.8 PPG in recent games, but home desperation could spark them.
Recent Team Forms
Denver has been resilient without Jokic, while Dallas alternates flashes of potential with defensive breakdowns. Here’s their last 10 games:
Denver Nuggets (5-5 in last 10, averaging 115.4 PPG scored, 120.3 PPG allowed):
Jan 13: W 122-116 @ Pelicans (strong road win; Murray 28 points).
Jan 11: W 108-104 vs. Bucks (gritty defense; held MIL under 105).
Jan 9: L 87-110 vs. Hawks (offensive low; poor shooting at 41.7%).
Jan 7: W 114-110 @ Celtics (clutch road victory; 45.5% from three).
Jan 4: L 110-120 @ Knicks (rebounding issues).
Jan 2: W 125-115 vs. Thunder (efficient offense).
Dec 30: L 104-112 @ Clippers (turnovers costly).
Dec 28: W 118-105 vs. Suns (balanced scoring).
Dec 26: L 111-119 @ Lakers (close but faded late).
Dec 23: L 130-131 vs. Mavericks (heartbreaker; high-scoring).
Nuggets are 3-2 in last 5 road games, with a focus on pace control (top-5 efficiency).
Dallas Mavericks (4-6 in last 10, averaging 112.8 PPG scored, 116.5 PPG allowed):
Jan 12: W 113-105 vs. Nets (solid home win; Flagg double-double).
Jan 10: L 105-121 @ Bulls (offense stalled).
Jan 8: L 114-116 vs. Jazz (late collapse; Davis injured).
Jan 6: W 112-107 @ Spurs (gritty road upset).
Jan 4: L 99-115 vs. Rockets (poor shooting).
Jan 2: W 121-114 vs. Grizzlies (balanced effort).
Dec 30: L 101-120 @ Pelicans (defensive meltdown).
Dec 28: L 102-115 vs. Kings (turnovers high).
Dec 26: L 116-126 @ Warriors (Christmas loss).
Dec 23: W 131-130 vs. Nuggets (thriller; Flagg 33 points).
Mavericks are 2-3 in last 5 home games, with injuries exacerbating their 23-17 ATS record.
Series History
All-time regular-season series: Mavericks lead 100-95 over 195 games. No recent playoff meetings.
Recent head-to-head (last 10 games):
Dec 23, 2025: Mavericks 131-130 Nuggets (DAL covers +10; over 230).
Dec 1, 2025: Mavericks 131-121 Nuggets (DAL covers -2; over 228).
Mar 17, 2025: Nuggets 119-117 Mavericks (DEN covers +4; under 225).
Nov 22, 2024: Mavericks 123-120 Nuggets (DAL covers +3; over 220).
Mar 19, 2024: Nuggets 107-105 Mavericks (DEN covers -1; under 212).
And earlier: Split results, with road teams winning 5 of last 10.
Mavericks have won the last 2, but Denver won 3 of 5 before that. Games trend over (6-4 in last 10), averaging 230 points.
Betting Trends
Spread: Nuggets 24-15-1 ATS overall, 14-9 ATS on road; Mavericks 23-17 ATS, 10-10 ATS at home.
Moneyline: Denver 20-3 SU as favorites; Dallas 3-12 SU as underdogs.
Over/Under: Under has hit in 6 of Denver’s last 10 (defensive focus without Jokic); over in 5 of Dallas’ last 10. Series trend: Over in 4 of last 5.
Game Odds
Denver Nuggets – 1.5
Dallas Mavericks 226.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 13, 2026
