Thu Jan 15 05:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Nuggets Face Uphill Battle Against Mavericks Amidst Injury Crisis

The Story:
The Denver Nuggets, despite missing key starters including Nikola Jokic, are struggling to maintain their winning form on the second night of a back-to-back against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. An analysis of the game predicts a low-scoring affair, with the absence of Jokic significantly impacting the Nuggets’ offensive capabilities. The article focuses on betting predictions, highlighting the likelihood of the game going “under” the set total points, considering the Nuggets’ diminished offense and the Mavericks’ recent trend of low-scoring games. Jamal Murray’s questionable status further complicates matters for Denver.

Key Points:

  • The game is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
  • The Denver Nuggets are without Nikola Jokic and potentially Jamal Murray and Bruce Brown.
  • Betting predictions favor the “under” on a total of 224.5 points.
  • The Mavericks are favored to win with a -2.5 spread and a -140 moneyline.
  • Aaron Gordon is expected to have an increased playmaking role due to the potential absence of Murray and Brown.
  • Tim Hardaway Jr. is favored to score Over 13.5 points.
  • Totals in Denver’s eight games since Jokic’s injury have fallen short of bookmakers’ expectations by an average of 5.75 points per game.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Denver Nuggets’ success is heavily reliant on Nikola Jokic’s presence.
  • Injuries are significantly impacting the Nuggets’ offensive output and overall performance.
  • The Dallas Mavericks are positioned to capitalize on the Nuggets’ weakened state.
  • Betting trends suggest a low-scoring game is highly probable.
  • The team’s depth is being tested and individuals like Aaron Gordon will need to elevate their game.

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