If you're scrambling to figure out what time is the nuggets game tonight, you aren't alone. Between the mountain time zone math and the late-night national TV slots, tracking the Denver Nuggets can be a full-time job.
Tonight, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the Denver Nuggets are in Texas to take on the Dallas Mavericks. This isn't just another mid-season slog. It’s a heavyweight Western Conference clash at the American Airlines Center, and the tip-off time is set for 9:30 p.m. ET.
For the locals back in Colorado, that translates to a 7:30 p.m. MT start.
Why the Late Start Matters
Honestly, these 7:30 p.m. local starts in the Central time zone usually mean the game doesn't actually get moving until closer to 7:40 p.m. after the intros and the anthem. If you’re watching from the East Coast, you're looking at a late night that probably ends well after midnight.
The reason for the specific timing is simple: ESPN.
Tonight’s game is a national broadcast. When the big networks like ESPN or TNT pick up a Nuggets game, they often slot them in the "late" half of a doubleheader. That’s exactly what’s happening here. If you’re wondering what time is the nuggets game tonight so you can set your DVR, make sure you give it a buffer. These national games have way more commercials than the local Altitude broadcasts, and they tend to run long.
💡 You might also like: England goalkeeper Joe Hart: What Really Happened to the Nation's Number One
Where to Watch the Nuggets vs Mavericks
Since this is a national game, your viewing options are a bit different than usual. You’ve basically got three main paths to catching the action tonight:
- National TV: ESPN is the primary home for tonight's matchup.
- Local Denver Market: If you’re in the Denver area, you can still catch it on Altitude Sports.
- Dallas Market: Local fans in Texas will see it on KFAA.
If you've cut the cord, streaming is your best bet. Fubo carries Altitude for the local fans, and YouTube TV or Sling TV will get you the ESPN feed. Just remember that if you're using NBA League Pass, tonight’s game will likely be blacked out live because it’s on national television. You’ll have to wait until the replay is available a few hours after the final buzzer.
The Jokic Factor and Other Injuries
You can't talk about a Nuggets game without checking the injury report, and right now, it's a bit of a mess. The big question has been Nikola Jokic. He’s been dealing with a lingering knee issue that’s kept him sidelined for several games.
The latest word from Shams Charania is that Jokic was cleared to resume on-court workouts today. That’s huge news for Denver, but don't expect him to log 40 minutes tonight. The team has gone 5-4 without him, which is actually better than most people expected.
On the Dallas side, things are even weirder. Their star rookie Cooper Flagg has been a revelation, but the Mavs are missing some serious firepower. Kyrie Irving is out with a knee injury, and Anthony Davis—who is now a Maverick in this 2026 season—is sidelined for at least six weeks with a hand injury.
Key Matchups to Watch
With Jokic potentially limited or out, the spotlight falls squarely on Jamal Murray. Murray has been carrying a massive load lately, coming off a 35-point, 9-assist performance. He’s going to be the focal point of everything Denver does tonight.
Keep an eye on Peyton Watson too. He’s emerged as a legitimate starter-quality player this season, averaging 13 points and playing elite defense. He’ll likely be tasked with shadowing Cooper Flagg for most of the night. Flagg is currently averaging over 28 points per game against the Nuggets this season, so Watson has his work cut out for him.
Betting Odds and Expectations
The oddsmakers are leaning toward Dallas in this one, mostly because they're at home and Denver is on the second night of a back-to-back. The Nuggets played the Pelicans last night in New Orleans, and that travel turnaround is brutal.
- Spread: Mavericks -1.5
- Over/Under: 224.5
Denver is surprisingly good when they have a "rest disadvantage." They are 4-1 against the spread this year when their opponent has more rest than they do. It seems like this team almost plays better when they’re a little tired and forced to rely on their bench.
How to Stay Updated
If you can't be in front of a TV at 9:30 p.m. ET, the best way to follow along is through the Altitude Sports Radio app or 92.5 FM if you're driving around Denver. The radio broadcast is often a few seconds ahead of the TV stream, which is a nice perk if you’re trying to avoid spoilers on social media.
Basically, if you're a Nuggets fan, tonight is one of those "character wins" opportunities. Beating a Dallas team led by Flagg while coming off a back-to-back without a 100% healthy Jokic would be a statement.
💡 You might also like: The Women's Final Cincinnati 2025: What Most People Get Wrong
To make sure you don't miss tip-off, set your reminders for 7:30 p.m. local Denver time. Check your ESPN signal early, especially if you're using a streaming service that might need an update or a re-login right when the game starts. If you're planning on betting the over, keep in mind that both teams are missing significant interior defenders, which usually leads to a lot of transition buckets and a faster pace.