The Denver Nuggets head to Milwaukee for an interconference showdown against the Bucks on Friday, January 23, 2026. The Nuggets, second in the Western Conference, look to extend their three-game winning streak and solidify their contender status with Nikola Jokic leading the charge. The Bucks, mired in a disappointing season and sitting 11th in the East, aim to turn things around at home amid coaching rumors and injury woes. This is the second and final meeting of the season, with Denver winning the first 118-112 in Denver on November 22, 2025.
Venue Location
Fiserv Forum
Milwaukee, WI
Capacity: 17,341
(Opened in 2018, this modern arena is home to the Bucks and known for its deer-themed design and energetic crowd, especially during high-profile matchups against Western powerhouses.)
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT)
Broadcast: Altitude Sports (Nuggets local), Bally Sports Wisconsin (Bucks local)
Radio: Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM (Denver), WTMJ 620 AM (Milwaukee)
Injury Report
Both teams are navigating injuries, with Milwaukee particularly affected in the backcourt.
Denver Nuggets:
Aaron Gordon (PF): Out (Left calf strain; out indefinitely)
Peyton Watson (SF): Questionable (Right hamstring tightness)
DaRon Holmes II (PF): Game-time decision (Illness)
The Nuggets will rely on Jokic and Jamal Murray for heavy minutes, with Julian Strawther potentially starting if Watson sits.
Milwaukee Bucks:
Damian Lillard (PG): Out (Right ankle sprain; expected return late January)
Khris Middleton (SF): Probable (Left knee management; expected to play limited minutes)
Brook Lopez (C): Game-time decision (Back spasms)
AJ Green (SG): Out (G League assignment)
Without Lillard, Gary Trent Jr. and Delon Wright will handle point duties. Giannis Antetokounmpo is healthy and carrying the load.
Key Player Matchups
This game pits Denver’s efficient offense against Milwaukee’s star-driven but inconsistent attack, with Jokic vs. Antetokounmpo as the marquee duel.
Nikola Jokic (DEN) vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL): A battle of MVPs. Jokic (26.8 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 9.2 APG) orchestrates Denver’s offense with triple-double threats, while Antetokounmpo (28.6 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 6.4 APG) powers Milwaukee with athleticism. Expect switches and physicality in the post.
Jamal Murray (DEN) vs. Gary Trent Jr. (MIL): Murray (22.4 PPG, 6.8 APG on 47.2% FG) exploits pick-and-rolls, facing Trent (14.2 PPG, 36.8% 3PT) who’s stepped up defensively without Lillard.
Michael Porter Jr. (DEN) vs. Khris Middleton (MIL, if active): Porter (18.6 PPG, 40.2% 3PT) stretches the floor, while Middleton (16.4 PPG) brings veteran scoring but may be limited.
Christian Braun (DEN) vs. Pat Connaughton (MIL): Bench energy. Braun provides defense, while Connaughton adds shooting off the pine.
Other notes: Denver’s offense ranks No. 3 in efficiency, testing Milwaukee’s 22nd-ranked defense. The Bucks’ rebounding (No. 8) could challenge Denver’s glass work.
Team Rankings
| Category | Nuggets Rank (League) | Bucks Rank (League) |
| Points Per Game | 119.2 (4th) | 111.6 (21st) |
| Opponent PPG | 111.4 (9th) | 115.8 (22nd) |
| Rebounds Per Game | 47.2 (8th) | 46.8 (9th) |
| Assists Per Game | 28.6 (4th) | 24.2 (19th) |
| Field Goal % | 49.4% (2nd) | 45.6% (20th) |
| 3-Point % | 38.8% (3rd) | 35.2% (17th) |
Recent Team Forms
Denver is rolling, while Milwaukee has been erratic.
Denver Nuggets (Last 10 Games: 7-3)
The Nuggets have won seven of their last 10, including a 112-124 road loss to Phoenix (Jan. 20) but rebounds with wins like 128-112 over Utah (Jan. 17). They’ve averaged 118.4 PPG in this stretch.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Key Performer |
| Jan. 22 | @ MIN | W | 115-110 | Jokic: 28 PTS, 14 REB, 10 AST |
| Jan. 20 | @ PHX | L | 112-124 | Murray: 26 PTS |
| Jan. 17 | vs. UTA | W | 128-112 | Porter Jr.: 24 PTS |
| Jan. 15 | vs. HOU | W | 111-91 | Jokic: 25 PTS, 12 REB |
| Jan. 13 | @ SAC | L | 108-115 | Murray: 22 PTS |
| Jan. 11 | vs. LAC | W | 121-108 | Jokic: 30 PTS, 11 REB |
| Jan. 9 | @ GSW | W | 117-110 | Porter Jr.: 25 PTS |
| Jan. 7 | vs. LAL | W | 119-111 | Murray: 28 PTS |
| Jan. 5 | @ CLE | W | 113-108 | Jokic: 27 PTS, 13 REB |
| Jan. 3 | vs. NOP | L | 112-105 | Porter Jr.: 20 PTS |
Milwaukee Bucks (Last 10 Games: 4-6)
The Bucks have split recent games, with wins like 115-102 over Atlanta (Jan. 21) but losses to contenders like Boston (103-119 on Jan. 19). Offense has dipped to 110.8 PPG.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Key Performer |
| Jan. 21 | @ ATL | W | 115-102 | Antetokounmpo: 32 PTS, 12 REB |
| Jan. 19 | vs. BOS | L | 103-119 | Middleton: 18 PTS |
| Jan. 17 | vs. CHI | W | 118-105 | Antetokounmpo: 30 PTS |
| Jan. 15 | @ TOR | L | 105-112 | Lopez: 15 PTS, 10 REB |
| Jan. 13 | vs. NYK | L | 110-118 | Antetokounmpo: 28 PTS, 11 REB |
| Jan. 11 | @ WAS | W | 121-107 | Trent Jr.: 22 PTS |
| Jan. 9 | vs. BKN | L | 107-112 | Antetokounmpo: 26 PTS |
| Jan. 7 | @ IND | W | 118-105 | Middleton: 20 PTS |
| Jan. 5 | vs. PHI | L | 104-109 | Antetokounmpo: 29 PTS |
| Jan. 3 | @ MIA | L | 108-114 | Lopez: 14 PTS, 8 REB |
Series History
Denver leads the all-time series 94-92 in 186 regular-season games. The Nuggets have won 5 of the last 7 meetings, including this season’s victory. Trends: The over has hit in 6 of the last 8 games, averaging 230.4 total points.
| Date | Location | Result | Score | Spread Covered? |
| Nov. 22, 2025 | Denver | DEN Win | 118-112 | DEN -5.5 |
| Mar. 25, 2025 | Milwaukee | DEN Win | 128-120 | DEN +3.0 |
| Jan. 29, 2025 | Denver | DEN Win | 113-107 | DEN -4.5 |
| Mar. 9, 2024 | Denver | MIL Win | 142-129 | MIL +10.5 |
| Jan. 29, 2024 | Milwaukee | MIL Win | 113-107 | MIL +4.0 |
Betting Trends
Against the Spread (ATS): Nuggets 26-19 (57.8% cover rate); Bucks 17-26 (39.5% cover rate). Denver is 7-3 ATS in last 10, Milwaukee 4-6 ATS. Over/Under (O/U): Nuggets games hit over 22-23 (48.9%); Bucks 21-22 (48.8%). Last 10 Bucks games average 225.6 points. Moneyline (ML): Nuggets 28-17 as favorites (62.2% win rate); Bucks 7-12 as underdogs. Denver is 13-9 straight-up on road. Recent Trends: Nuggets 6-4 ATS last 10 road games; Bucks 3-7 ATS at home last 10. The over is 5-5 in Denver’s last 10.
Denver’s superior record (30-15 vs. 18-25) and 7-3 last 10 give them a 70% win probability. Milwaukee’s injuries tilt this road favorite. The Nuggets cover 58% of spreads and have won by 7+ in five of last seven vs. sub-.500 teams. Bucks are 4-6 ATS recently; expect Denver to pull away. Both offenses can erupt (DEN No. 4 PPG); last five meetings averaged 232 points. With Antetokounmpo pushing pace, over hits.
Game Odds
Denver Nuggets 221.5
Milwaukee Bucks – 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, January 22, 2026
