Predictions Washington Wizards vs Denver Nuggets | NBA 17.01.26

Washington Wizards vs Denver Nuggets Game Analysis | 18-01-2026 | NBA

This regular-season matchup on January 18, 2026, at 2:00 AM ET in Ball Arena, Denver, pits the struggling Washington Wizards (10-29) against the formidable Denver Nuggets (28-13). Both teams enter this contest significantly impacted by injuries, setting the stage for a unique tactical battle.

Washington Wizards Team Performance

The Washington Wizards are in a deep rebuild, reflected by their 10-29 record. Their recent performance has been hampered by a lack of veteran leadership and consistent scoring. The team relies heavily on the development of its young core, often struggling with offensive efficiency and defensive cohesion. Without their primary playmakers and scorers, the Wizards face an uphill battle to generate consistent offense, often resulting in prolonged scoring droughts.

Washington Wizards Key Players

• Points: Alex Sarr (16.9)
• Rebounds: Alex Sarr (7.6)
• Assists: Kyshawn George (4.9)
• Rating: Alex Sarr (16.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.3 BPG)

Injury Report Washington Wizards

• Bilal Coulibaly (Out): Coulibaly (back), who won’t play Friday against the Kings, is also out for Saturday’s game against Denver, Josh Robbins of The Athletic reports.
• Tristan Vukcevic (Out): Vukcevic won’t play in Friday’s game against the Kings due to left knee soreness.
• Khris Middleton (Out): Middleton has been ruled out for Friday’s game against Sacramento due to right knee injury management.
• Cam Whitmore (Out): Whitmore has begun the recovery process for a diagnosed venous condition and he will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
• Trae Young (Out): Young (knee, quadriceps) will be re-evaluated following the mid-February All-Star break, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Denver Nuggets Team Performance

The Denver Nuggets, boasting a 28-13 record, are a legitimate contender despite recent injury setbacks. Their strength lies in a well-established system and the versatility of their roster. However, the absence of key players, particularly in the frontcourt, will test their depth and force adjustments. Their ability to maintain defensive intensity and offensive flow will hinge on the performance of their available stars and role players stepping up.

Denver Nuggets Key Players

• Points: Jamal Murray (25.8)
• Rebounds: Peyton Watson (5.0)
• Assists: Jamal Murray (7.5)
• Rating: Jamal Murray (25.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 7.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG)

Injury Report Denver Nuggets

• Christian Braun (Out): Braun (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday’s game against the Wizards.
• Aaron Gordon (Day-to-day): Gordon (hamstring) is probable to play Saturday against the Wizards.
• Bruce Brown (Day-to-day): Brown (knee) is probable for Saturday’s game against the Wizards.
• Jamal Murray (Day-to-day): Murray (ankle) is probable to play Saturday versus the Wizards.
• Nikola Jokic (Out): Jokic (knee) has resumed on-court workouts, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.
• Jonas Valanciunas (Out): Valanciunas will be re-evaluated in four weeks for a right calf strain that he suffered during the Nuggets’ 106-103 win over the Raptors on Wednesday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
• Cameron Johnson (Out): Johnson will be reevaluated in 4-to-6 weeks due to a right knee contusion, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
• Tamar Bates (Out): The Nuggets announced Monday that Bates (foot) will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks.

Prediction: Washington Wizards vs Denver Nuggets

Despite a significant injury list of their own, including MVP candidate Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets are the clear favorites at home. The Wizards are severely depleted, missing star guard Trae Young and veteran scorer Khris Middleton, alongside other key rotational pieces. While Alex Sarr offers a promising future for Washington, he alone cannot compensate for the absence of multiple primary offensive creators. Denver, with Jamal Murray (probable) expected to lead the charge, along with probable starters Aaron Gordon and Bruce Brown, possesses a far superior talent base and system. The offensive output for both teams will likely be hampered by these absences.

Predicted Winner: Home (Denver Nuggets)
Total Points Prediction: Under 231.5