The Denver Nuggets (31-15) visit the Memphis Grizzlies (18-25) in a Western Conference matchup. The Nuggets, third in the West and riding a strong road form, aim for their seventh consecutive away win against a Grizzlies team struggling with injuries and inconsistency, sitting 12th in the conference. Denver’s depth will be tested without key stars, while Memphis looks to capitalize on home court despite a depleted roster. This could be a gritty, lower-scoring game given the absences.
Venue Location
The game will be held at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. This 18,119-capacity arena, home to the Grizzlies since 2004, is known for its passionate fans and has hosted memorable playoff battles.
Tipoff is scheduled for 3:330 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT)
TV/Streaming: NBA League Pass; regional broadcasts on Bally Sports Southeast and Altitude Sports.
Injury Report
Both teams are heavily impacted by injuries, with Denver missing their MVP center and Memphis without their star point guard. Updates as of January 24, 2026:
Denver Nuggets:
Nikola Jokic (C): Out – Left knee bone bruise/hyperextension; expected return late January or early February.
Aaron Gordon (PF): Questionable – Right hamstring strain; game-time decision after recent strain.
Jamal Murray (PG): Day-to-day – Right hamstring inflammation/left hip inflammation.
Christian Braun (SG): Out – Left ankle sprain.
Peyton Watson (SF): Day-to-day – Right ankle strain.
Cameron Johnson (SG/PF): Out – Right knee sprain; out indefinitely.
Jonas Valanciunas (C): Day-to-day – Right calf strain.
Tamar Bates (SG): Out – Left foot surgery.
Memphis Grizzlies:
Ja Morant (PG): Out – Left elbow UCL sprain; re-evaluated in three weeks.
Santi Aldama (PF): Out – Right knee injury management/soreness.
Brandon Clarke (PF): Out – Right calf strain; out 4-6 more weeks.
Ty Jerome (SG): Out – Calf strain.
Zach Edey (C): Out – Left ankle; out 6 more weeks.
Scotty Pippen Jr. (PG): Out – Toe; out 4-6 more weeks.
Key
Player Matchups
With major absences, expect adjusted lineups focusing on perimeter play and frontcourt battles:
Jamal Murray (DEN, if playing) vs. Desmond Bane (MEM): Murray’s scoring and playmaking against Bane’s two-way guard skills; Bane could exploit Denver’s backcourt injuries.
Michael Porter Jr. (DEN) vs. Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM): Porter’s shooting stretch vs. Jackson’s rim protection and versatility; key for spacing without Jokic.
Julian Strawther (DEN) vs. Marcus Smart (MEM): Emerging wings; Strawther stepping up amid injuries vs. Smart’s defensive intensity.
Dario Saric (DEN) vs. Jay Huff (MEM): Backup bigs likely starting; Saric’s experience vs. Huff’s athleticism in the paint. Goaltending: Reggie Jackson (DEN) vs. Yuki Kawamura (MEM) if backups start due to injuries.
Recent Team Forms
Denver Nuggets (Last 5 Games): 3-2
Jan 23 vs. MIL: W 102-100
Jan 22 vs. WAS: W 107-97
Jan 20 vs. LAL: L 107-115
Jan 18 vs. CHA: L 87-110
Jan 17 vs. WAS: W 121-115
The Nuggets are 7-3 in their last 10, with a focus on defense (under in 7 of 10), but injuries have led to offensive dips.
Memphis Grizzlies (Last 5 Games): 2-3
Jan 23 vs. NOP: L 127-133
Jan 21 vs. ATL: L 122-124
Jan 18 vs. ORL: W 126-109
Jan 15 vs. ORL: L 111-118
Jan 11 vs. BKN: W 103-98
The Grizzlies are 3-7 in their last 10, with over hitting in 6 of 10, showing offensive flashes but defensive breakdowns amid injuries.
Series History
The Nuggets hold a strong all-time edge, winning 69 of 110 regular-season games against the Grizzlies.
In the last 20 meetings, Denver is 14-6.
This season, Denver leads 1-0 after a 125-115 win on November 24, 2025.
Denver has won 8 of the last 9 head-to-heads, including 4 of 5 in Memphis.
Betting Trends
Nuggets are 6-1 ATS in last 7 vs. Grizzlies and 6-0 ATS on the road lately; over in 4 of Denver’s last 5 vs. Western teams. Grizzlies are 1-4 ATS in last 5 and over in 5 of last 6; 1-5 SU vs. Western opponents recently.
Game Odds
Denver Nuggets 222.5
Memphis Grizzlies – 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, January 24, 2026
