PREVIEW: The Dallas Mavericks will host the Denver Nuggets on January 15, 2026, in what shapes up as a balanced matchup between two teams navigating significant injury challenges. Denver will be without MVP Nikola Jokic due to a hyperextended left knee, while also missing backup Jonas Valanciunas and role players Cam Johnson and Christian Braun. Dallas faces its own depth concerns with Anthony Davis sidelined by a hand ligament injury, Kyrie Irving dealing with knee issues, and Max Christie and P.J. Washington both questionable heading into tip-off. Both teams currently have no ShotQuality data available for this contest, making it difficult to assess their offensive efficiency patterns going into the game. The Mavericks have been notably strong at home recently, posting a 7-1 record over the past six weeks, highlighted by a December 23 victory over Denver in which Cooper Flagg narrowly missed recording his first career triple-double with 33 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Denver enters after playing the night before in New Orleans, coming off a stretch where they won three of their last four games including impressive road victories at Philadelphia and Boston. Flagg has emerged as Dallas's primary offensive catalyst in the starting lineup and appears ready for the moment, posting 27 points against the Nets while emphasizing his commitment to staying true to his approach. This game carries the profile of a balanced contest, setting the stage for an intriguing battle between a depleted Nuggets team and a Mavericks squad attempting to maintain its home court momentum.