The Milwaukee Bucks, showing signs of resurgence with Giannis Antetokounmpo back in the lineup, head to the high altitude of Denver to take on the Nuggets, who are dealing with a significant injury crisis, including the absence of MVP Nikola Jokic. This interconference battle could see the Bucks capitalize on Denver’s depleted roster, while the Nuggets rely on Jamal Murray and emerging contributors to defend their strong home record. Despite Denver’s overall success this season, Jokic’s injury levels the playing field, making this a potentially close contest.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. This modern venue, with a capacity of over 19,000, is known for its elevation (over 5,000 feet) which can affect visiting teams’ performance due to thinner air.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (6:00 PM MT local time). The game will be broadcast on Altitude Sports and Bally Sports Wisconsin, with streaming available via NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
The Nuggets are severely impacted by injuries, missing their star center and several key rotation players, while the Bucks are mostly healthy with their core intact. Reports are as of January 10, 2026.
Milwaukee Bucks:
Alex Antetokounmpo (G): Out – G League two-way assignment.
Pete Nance (F): Out – G League assignment.
Taurean Prince (SF): Out – Undisclosed (listed in recent reports, potentially illness or minor issue).
Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF): Available – Recently returned from an eight-game absence due to a calf strain but playing without restrictions.
The Bucks’ depth is solid, with no major absences affecting their starting lineup.
Denver Nuggets:
Nikola Jokic (C): Out – Hyperextended left knee/bone bruise (sustained Dec. 29; expected to miss at least four weeks, potentially up to six).
Jonas Valanciunas (C): Out – Calf injury.
Cameron Johnson (F): Out – Right knee injury.
Jamal Murray (PG): Questionable – Left ankle soreness (managed; missed two of last four games).
Aaron Gordon (PF): Probable – Right hamstring strain (easing back after extended absence).
Christian Braun (SG): Probable – Left ankle sprain (easing back).
Zeke Nnaji (PF): Questionable – Illness (part of team-wide concerns affecting multiple players).
Denver’s frontcourt is thin without Jokic and Valanciunas, forcing reliance on backups like Peyton Watson and Dario Saric.
Key Player Matchups
With Jokic sidelined, the matchups tilt toward Milwaukee’s physical advantages. Denver will need strong perimeter play to compensate.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks PF) vs. Aaron Gordon or Peyton Watson (Nuggets PF): The headliner. Antetokounmpo (28.9 PPG, 10.0 RPG) returns to dominate inside against Denver’s depleted frontcourt. Gordon’s athleticism (if probable) or Watson’s energy (averaging 24.6 PPG in January) will try to contain him, but Giannis could exploit mismatches for big numbers.
Jamal Murray (Nuggets PG) vs. Damian Lillard (Bucks PG): Murray (25.3 PPG, 7.5 APG recently) steps up as Denver’s primary scorer without Jokic, facing Lillard’s veteran defense and scoring (assuming Lillard healthy). This backcourt duel could dictate pace and three-point efficiency.
Khris Middleton (Bucks SF) vs. Michael Porter Jr. (Nuggets SF): Middleton’s mid-range game vs. Porter’s shooting. With Denver’s injuries, Porter may need to create more, but Middleton’s experience could limit him.
Peyton Watson (Nuggets F) vs. Bobby Portis (Bucks PF): Watson’s recent hot streak (21+ points in last six) against Portis’ rebounding and scoring off the bench. This could be key for second-unit production.
The Bucks’ balanced attack (seven players in double figures) gives them an edge over Denver’s shorthanded lineup.
Recent Team Forms
Milwaukee Bucks: The Bucks have turned things around, winning five of their last seven since Giannis’ return on Dec. 27, pushing for a playoff spot. Last 10: 5-5, with a 105-101 win over the Lakers on Jan. 9 highlighting their grit. They’ve averaged strong scoring in wins but struggled defensively in losses (allowing 120+ points). Last 5: L-W-W-L-W.
Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets have been inconsistent without Jokic, going 4-6 in their last 10, including a 110-87 home loss to Atlanta on Jan. 9 where turnovers (19) plagued them. They’ve split recent road trips but are 10-6 at home overall. Watson’s emergence has helped, but illness and injuries have hurt. Last 5: L-W-W-L-L.
Series History
All-time, the Denver Nuggets lead the Milwaukee Bucks 66-41 in 107 regular-season games. In the last 10 meetings, Denver holds a 6-4 edge, often leveraging home court. Recent games: Nuggets won 127-117 on March 26, 2025; Bucks won the two prior (121-112 on Feb. 27, 2025, and 112-95 on Feb. 12, 2024). At Ball Arena, Denver has won 4 of the last 5 head-to-heads, but Milwaukee’s stars have kept it competitive.
Betting Trends
Trends favor under, with Nuggets games hitting under in 6 of last 10 (defensive focus without Jokic) and Bucks under in road losses. Nuggets are 5-5 ATS in last 10 overall but 4-1 ATS in last 5; 3-2 straight up in recent games. Bucks are 5-5 ATS in last 10, improving to 4-3 ATS since Giannis’ return. Head-to-head, the under has hit in 4 of last 6; Nuggets 22-16 ATS overall this season.
Game Odds
Milwaukee Bucks – 1.5
Denver Nuggets 223.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, January 10, 2026
