Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers regular season game: Full injury report, who’s out, where to watch, and more (January 2, 2026) | NBA News
The Denver Nuggets visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 2, 2026, at Rocket Arena. The game comes at a difficult time for Denver, which arrives with a long injury list that has changed the shape of its rotation. Cleveland, by contrast, is close to full strength and playing well at home.Denver’s record still reflects one of the league’s better teams, but availability matters more than numbers in the standings. With several regulars sidelined, the Nuggets are forced to rely on depth players and simplified lineups. Cleveland’s goal is straightforward: control the game early and avoid letting a short-handed opponent settle in.
Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers Game setup and timing (January 2, 2026)
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET in Cleveland. The Cavaliers enter at 19-16, eighth in the Eastern Conference, and have won three straight games at home. Denver is 23–10 and third in the West, but this road game comes during a stretch where the roster has been heavily affected by injuries.
Denver Nuggets’ injury situation vs Cleveland Cavaliers (January 2, 2026)
Denver Nuggets will be without Nikola Jokić, who is out due to left knee injury management. Aaron Gordon is sidelined with a right hamstring strain, Christian Braun is out with a left ankle sprain, and Cameron Johnson remains unavailable because of right knee injury management. Jonas Valanciunas is dealing with a right calf strain, while Tamar Bates continues to recover from left foot surgery.Jamal Murray is listed as probable with a left ankle sprain, and Julian Strawther is also probable while working through an illness. Even if both play, Denver could be missing four usual starters, leaving little margin for error.
Cleveland Cavaliers injury report vs Denver Nuggets (January 2, 2025)
Cleveland Cavaliers’ injury list is shorter. Max Strus is out following left foot surgery, and Larry Nance Jr. is sidelined with a right calf strain. Chris Livingston is away on G League assignment. Sam Merrill is questionable with a left ankle sprain, and De’Andre Hunter is questionable due to illness.Compared to Denver, Cleveland has most of its core available, which gives it stability on both ends of the floor.
Matchups to watch in tonight’s Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers game
Donovan Mitchell, averaging 29.7 points per game, faces a Denver defense without Jokić. Evan Mobley, at 18.2 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, should see consistent opportunities against a thin Nuggets frontcourt.For Denver, Murray becomes the main option. At 25.1 points per game, his scoring and shot creation will determine whether the Nuggets can stay close.
Where to watch tonight’s Nuggets vs Cavaliers game and betting outlook (January 2, 2026)
The game will be shown on FDSOH in Cleveland and ALT in Denver, with Amazon Prime Video carrying the national stream. Fans can also watch via Fubo, subject to regional limits, or NBA League Pass for out-of-market access. Radio coverage is available on Newsradio WTAM 1100.Cleveland is favored by 13.5 points, with Denver listed as a heavy underdog. The total is set at 236.5, reflecting expectations of steady scoring despite Denver’s missing personnel.
