The Charlotte Hornets face a tough road test against the Denver Nuggets in a cross-conference matchup. The Hornets, sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference, are looking to snap a rough stretch on their Western Conference road trip, while the Nuggets, third in the Western Conference, aim to extend their strong home form. This game pits a rebuilding Hornets squad against a Nuggets team dealing with significant injuries but still boasting depth and recent momentum.
Venue Location
Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado. This high-altitude venue (5,280 feet above sea level) often gives the Nuggets a home-court advantage, as visiting teams can struggle with fatigue and conditioning.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (6:00 PM MT local time). The game will be broadcast on FDSSE (for Hornets markets) and ALT (for Nuggets markets), with live streaming available on platforms like NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with key absences, which could significantly impact the game. Denver’s injuries are particularly notable, with their star center sidelined, potentially opening up opportunities for Charlotte’s interior players.
| Team | Player | Position | Injury | Status | Expected Return |
| Charlotte Hornets | Moussa Diabate | SF | Hamstring | Questionable (GTD) | January 18, 2026 |
| Charlotte Hornets | Mason Plumlee | PF | Groin | Out | No timetable (potentially February) |
| Denver Nuggets | Christian Braun | SG | Ankle | Out | Indefinite |
| Denver Nuggets | Jonas Valanciunas | C | Calf | Out | Early February 2026 |
| Denver Nuggets | Nikola Jokic | C | Knee | Out | Extended period (potentially February 1, 2026) |
| Denver Nuggets | Cameron Johnson | PF | Knee | Out | Extended period (potentially January 22, 2026) |
| Denver Nuggets | Tamar Bates | – | Foot | Out | April 1, 2026 |
Note: Jokic’s absence is a massive blow for Denver, as he leads the league in assists and rebounds. Reports were updated as of morning on game day, so monitor for last-minute changes.
Key
Player Matchups
This game features intriguing battles, especially with Denver missing Jokic, forcing adjustments in the frontcourt. Key matchups to watch:
Jamal Murray (DEN) vs. LaMelo Ball (CHA): Murray is coming off a 42-point explosion against Washington, showcasing his scoring prowess. Ball, Charlotte’s dynamic point guard, averages high-volume assists and points but will need to navigate Denver’s perimeter defense without turning the ball over. This could be a high-scoring guard duel.
Michael Porter Jr. (DEN) vs. Brandon Miller (CHA): Both are sharpshooting wings. Porter’s size and efficiency from deep (around 40% on 3s) could exploit Miller, but the young Hornet has shown defensive flashes and scoring upside.
Aaron Gordon (DEN) vs. Miles Bridges (CHA): Gordon’s athleticism and versatility will test Bridges, who provides Charlotte’s secondary scoring. With Jokic out, Gordon may see more post touches.
Frontcourt Battle: Without Jokic and Valanciunas, Denver relies on players like Dario Saric or backups. Charlotte’s Tidjane Salaun or Grant Williams (if healthy) could capitalize on rebounding edges.
Overall, Denver’s depth might prevail, but Charlotte’s youth could keep it competitive if Ball and Miller heat up.
Recent Team Forms
The Nuggets enter on a hot streak, while the Hornets have been inconsistent but showed blowout potential in wins.
Charlotte Hornets Last 10 Games: 4-6 record. They’ve averaged around 120 PPG in recent outings but have defensive lapses. Recent results include a dominant 150-95 win over Utah (Jan 10), a 135-117 victory over the Lakers, and a 136-116 loss to Golden State. They’re 2-3 in their last five, with close losses to Toronto and Indiana highlighting clutch issues.
Denver Nuggets Last 10 Games: 8-2 record, including a current 3-game win streak. They’ve won 6 of their last 7 at home. Highlights: 121-115 win over Washington (Jan 17, Murray’s 42 points), 118-109 victory at Dallas (Jan 14). They’re averaging high efficiency, but Jokic’s injury could slow them.
Series History
The Nuggets hold a 41-30 all-time edge over the Hornets since Charlotte entered the league. Denver has dominated recently, winning the last three meetings (e.g., 129-115 on Feb 20, 2025; 107-104 on Feb 1, 2025; 111-93 on Jan 1, 2024). In their lone head-to-head this season so far (if any), Denver covered the spread. Charlotte’s last win over Denver was in 2023. At Ball Arena, Denver is 22-13 historically vs. Charlotte.
Betting Trends
Spread: Nuggets -1.5 (-110), Hornets +1.5 (-110). Denver is 15-14 ATS when favored by 1.5 or more; Charlotte is 21-15 ATS as a 1.5+ underdog.
Total (O/U): 229.5 (-110 both sides). Denver games have gone over in 27 of 42 (64%); Charlotte’s have hit over in only 18 of 42 (43%).
Recent ATS Trends: Both teams are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games. Denver is 25-17 ATS overall (10-4 as home favorites); Charlotte is 24-18 ATS (1-0 ATS vs. Denver this season).
Other Notes: Denver wins 71% of games as favorites (22-9); Charlotte is 12-24 as underdogs. With Jokic out, the line has tightened from initial projections.
Game Odds
Charlotte Hornets 228.5
Denver Nuggets – 1.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, January 17, 2026
