The Brooklyn Nets (12-33) head to Ball Arena to face the Denver Nuggets (31-16) in an interconference matchup where the Nets aim to snap a six-game losing streak against a Nuggets team looking to rebound from a recent home loss. Denver, third in the Western Conference, has been dominant this season but enters without Nikola Jokic due to injury, potentially leveling the playing field for a rebuilding Nets squad featuring Michael Porter Jr. against his former team. Brooklyn has struggled on the road (6-16 away), while Denver boasts a strong home record (12-9). This game could hinge on Denver’s depth and Brooklyn’s ability to exploit absences, with implications for Denver’s top seeding pursuit and Brooklyn’s lottery positioning.
Venue Location
Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado.
Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT).
The game will be broadcast on YES, ALT2, and KTVD, with radio coverage available.
Recent Team Forms
The Nets are in a tailspin, losing six straight and 14 of their last 16, with poor offensive output (107.8 PPG season average). The Nuggets have been consistent but are on a three-game home losing streak, averaging 120.4 PPG but vulnerable defensively without Jokic (116.0 PPG allowed).
Brooklyn Nets (Last 10 Games: 1-9, Avg. 103.0 PPG)
Recent Streak: Lost 6 straight.
Key Results:
Jan. 27 @ PHO: L 102-106 (Porter Jr. 22 PTS).
Jan. 25 @ LAC: L 89-126 (Wolf 14 PTS).
Jan. 23 vs. BOS: L (Recent loss).
Jan. 21 @ PHX: L 113-130.
Jan. 19 vs. SAC: L 117-130.
Jan. 18 vs. CHI: L 124-102.
Jan. 16 vs. CHI: W 112-109 (Porter Jr. 26 PTS, Clowney 23 PTS, 11 REB).
Jan. 14 @ NOP: L 113-116.
Jan. 12 @ DAL: L 105-113.
Jan. 11 @ MEM: L 98-103.
Strengths: Efficient FG% in wins (e.g., 56.6% in recent); Porter Jr. averaging 25.2 PPG.
Weaknesses: Allowing 114.9 PPG; 6-18 on road.
Denver Nuggets (Last 10 Games: 6-4, Avg. 106.6 PPG)
Recent Streak: Lost 1 (three-game home losing streak).
Key Results:
Jan. 27 vs. DET: L 107-109 (Murray 27 PTS).
Jan. 23 @ MIL: W 102-100.
Jan. 22 @ WAS: W 107-97.
Jan. 20 vs. LAL: L 107-115.
Jan. 19 vs. SAS: W 111-106.
Jan. 17 vs. NOP: W 119-110.
Jan. 15 vs. MIN: W 110-105.
Jan. 13 vs. OKC: L 91-111.
Jan. 11 vs. CHI: W 119-113.
Jan. 9 @ SAC: L 98-111.
Strengths: Second in PPG (120.4); Efficient FG% (49.5%).
Weaknesses: Allowing 116.0 PPG; 3-game home skid.
Injury Report
Injuries loom large, with Denver missing Jokic and several starters, forcing reliance on Murray and bench depth. Brooklyn’s absences weaken their frontcourt and guard rotation.
Brooklyn Nets:
OUT: Haywood Highsmith (knee).
OUT: Egor Demin (injury management).
OUT: Cam Thomas (injury management).
QUESTIONABLE: Noah Clowney (back).
QUESTIONABLE: Tyrese Martin (knee).
QUESTIONABLE: Ziaire Williams (calf).
Denver Nuggets:
OUT: Nikola Jokic (knee).
OUT: Tamar Bates (foot).
OUT: Cameron Johnson (knee).
QUESTIONABLE: Aaron Gordon (hamstring).
QUESTIONABLE: Christian Braun (ankle).
PROBABLE: Jamal Murray (hamstring/hip).
PROBABLE: Jonas Valanciunas (calf).
Key
Player Matchups
Expected starting lineups amid injuries:
Nets: PG Terance Mann, SG Ziaire Williams, SF Michael Porter Jr., PF Noah Clowney, C Nic Claxton.
Nuggets: PG Jamal Murray, SG Christian Braun, SF Aaron Gordon, PF Peyton Watson, C Jonas Valanciunas.
Key Matchups:
Jamal Murray vs. Terance Mann: Murray (high usage without Jokic) exploits Nets’ backcourt; Mann’s defense could limit drives.
Michael Porter Jr. vs. Peyton Watson: Porter Jr. (25.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG) returns to Denver; Watson’s versatility tests his scoring.
Nic Claxton vs. Jonas Valanciunas: Claxton (12.5 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.4 BPG) vs. Valanciunas; Rebounding battle key without Jokic.
Noah Clowney vs. Aaron Gordon: Clowney (13.1 PPG) tests Gordon’s defense; Physical matchup.
Series History
All-time: Nuggets lead 57-46 in 103 games.
Recently: Nuggets 4-1 in last 5; Nets won most recent 127-115 on Jan. 4 (Porter Jr. 27 PTS).
This season: Nets lead 1-0.
Betting Trends
ATS Trends: Nuggets 28-19 ATS (10-8 as -7.5+ favorite); Nets 21-24 ATS (10-14 as +7.5+ underdog).
Nuggets 20-14 ATS when scoring over 114.9; Nets over in 19/45 games (42.2%).
Game Odds
Brooklyn Nets 208.5
Denver Nuggets – 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 28, 2026
