Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight vs the Milwaukee Bucks? Latest update on the Denver Nuggets star's injury report (January 23, 2026)

Nikola Jokic will not play on January 23 when the Denver Nuggets face the Milwaukee Bucks. The team has officially ruled him out as he continues to recover from a left knee bone bruise, extending an absence that has now stretched deep into January.Denver has learned to manage without its star center, but Jokic’s absence continues to shape every matchup. Against Milwaukee, the Nuggets will again rely on depth and structure rather than their usual offense built around the reigning MVP.Nikola Jokic injured his left knee in late December, suffering a hyperextension that resulted in a bone bruise. Initial concern centered on possible long-term damage, but imaging showed no ligament issues and no need for surgery.Even with that clearance, Denver has taken a cautious path. Jokic has now missed at least 13 straight games. The Nuggets are targeting a medical reevaluation around January 30. A return in late January or early February remains possible, with the January 31 game against the Clippers often mentioned as a realistic checkpoint. Until then, the team is keeping him sidelined.Denver Nuggets enter the night at 30-15 and plays in Milwaukee at Fiserv Forum, with tip-off scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET. The game will air on Amazon Prime Video.This is the second meeting between the teams in January. The Nuggets won the first matchup 108-104 in Denver. They arrive on a five-game road winning streak but are playing the second night of a back-to-back after a win in Washington. Milwaukee, now 18-25, is coming off a heavy loss to Oklahoma City and is looking for a response at home. With Jokic out, oddsmakers favor the Bucks by around 6.5 points, and the projected total sits between 216.5 and 221.5.Without Nikola Jokic, Denver’s approach is simpler. If available, Jamal Murray becomes the primary offensive engine. Aaron Gordon is asked to do more on both ends, while Jonas Valanciunas helps stabilize the frontcourt when healthy.Also read: Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight vs the Denver Nuggets? Latest update on the Milwaukee Bucks star's injury report (January 23, 2026)For Milwaukee, Giannis Antetokounmpo has a clear matchup advantage against a shortened Denver rotation, especially with the Nuggets on tired legs. This game is less about star power and more about execution, bench minutes, and who manages the small moments better.