Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight vs the New Orleans Pelicans? Latest update on the Denver Nuggets star’s injury report (January 13, 2026) | NBA News
The Denver Nuggets will again play without Nikola Jokic on Tuesday night when they face the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans. The game tips off at 7:00 PM CT, and Jokic has been officially ruled out.Denver has already adjusted to life without its star in recent games, but his absence continues to shape how the team approaches each matchup. Against a struggling Pelicans side, the Nuggets will rely on execution and balance rather than their usual offense built around Jokic.
Nikola Jokic’s Injury Update vs New Orleans Pelicans (January 13, 2026)
Nikola Jokic is sidelined with a left knee bone bruise caused by a hyperextension earlier this month against the Miami Heat. The injury occurred when Spencer Jones accidentally stepped on him during the game. Since then, Jokic has remained out, with the January 13 injury report again listing him as unavailable.Initial projections suggested Jokic could miss around four weeks. That timeline has not changed, keeping him off the floor as Denver works through this stretch without its most important player.
Denver Nuggets’ Results Without Nikola Jokic
The difference with and without Jokic is clear. With him in the lineup, Denver Nuggets went 22-10 and posted a +7.2 net rating. Without him, the Nuggets are 4-3, with that number dropping to -4.0.Jamal Murray has taken on more responsibility as the primary creator, while Peyton Watson has seen increased minutes after making an impact in recent games. The Nuggets enter the night at 26-13 overall, having managed to stay competitive but with far less margin for error.
Pelicans Look to Capitalize at Home
For New Orleans, Nikola Jokic’s absence opens the door. The Pelicans come in at 9-32 and near the bottom of the standings, but facing a Denver team without its center gives them a chance to compete inside.Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are positioned to attack the paint more freely, and the betting line has tightened as a result. Even with their own injury concerns, the Pelicans see this matchup as an opportunity.
What This Means Going Forward
Before the injury, Jokic had played 38 games and was averaging close to 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists. His absence now raises questions about his availability for awards, given the league’s 65-game requirement.Also read: Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans injury report: Injured and questionable players, where to watch, team stats, and more (January 13, 2026)With the All-Star break approaching, Denver faces a demanding stretch. How the Nuggets handle these weeks without Jokic could shape both their standings position and the tone of the second half of the season.
