The Denver Nuggets (16-6) aim to extend their franchise-record nine-game road winning streak when they visit the struggling Charlotte Hornets (7-16) on Sunday, December 7, 2025. Sitting fourth in the Western Conference, the Nuggets are riding high after a dramatic 23-point comeback victory over the Hawks, powered by Nikola Jokić’s heroics. Meanwhile, the Hornets snapped a two-game skid with a blowout win in Toronto but remain mired near the bottom of the East, plagued by injuries and inconsistency. This matchup at Spectrum Center could be a tune-up for Denver’s title defense, but Charlotte’s young core might push for an upset if LaMelo Ball suits up. Expect Jokić to dominate the paint in a high-scoring affair, marking the third meeting this season where the Nuggets hold a perfect 2-0 edge.
Game Details
Tipoff: 6:00 p.m. ET (tip-off).
Venue: Spectrum Center, 333 E Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28202. The 18,200-seat arena has been a tough spot for visitors, but Charlotte’s 4-8 home record this season tells a different story. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. ET.
Broadcast: FanDuel Sports Southeast (local for Hornets), Altitude TV (local for Nuggets), and NBA League Pass for out-of-market viewers. Radio on WFNZ 92.7 FM (Hornets) and KKFN 104.3 The Fan (Nuggets).
Officials: To be announced (TBA per NBA protocol).
This evening tip-off kicks off a busy NBA Sunday, giving fans a cross-conference clash before the primetime slate.
Injury Report
Injuries continue to sideline key pieces for both teams, with Charlotte’s backcourt decimated and Denver missing wing depth. Here’s the latest from the NBA’s official injury report as of December 6, 2025:
| Team | Player | Position | Status | Injury/Details | Estimated Return |
| Nuggets | Julian Strawther | G | Out | Undisclosed (injury management) | December 11 |
| Nuggets | Aaron Gordon | F | Out | Right calf strain | January 2 |
| Nuggets | Christian Braun | G | Out | Left ankle sprain | January 9 |
| Hornets | LaMelo Ball | G | Game-Time Decision | Left ankle soreness (from Friday) | December 7 |
| Hornets | Brandon Miller | F | Out | Right wrist fracture | December 12 |
| Hornets | Tre Mann | G | Out | Right knee contusion | December 12 |
| Hornets | Nick Richards | C | Out | Left foot stress reaction | December 12 |
| Hornets | Seth Curry | G | Out | Right shoulder impingement | December 12 |
Denver’s absences hurt their bench scoring (Gordon averages 13.9 PPG), forcing more minutes from Michael Porter Jr. and the starters. For Charlotte, Ball’s status (11 PTS in 12 MIN Friday before exiting) is critical—he’s their engine (22.4 PPG, 8.2 APG). Without him, rookie Tidjane Salaün and Kon Knueppel step up, but the Hornets’ depth is thin.
Key Player Matchups
With Gordon out and Ball questionable, this tilts toward Jokić’s paint mastery vs. Charlotte’s makeshift frontcourt. Here’s a breakdown of five marquee battles, focusing on scoring efficiency, rebounding, and playmaking:
Nikola Jokić (Nuggets C) vs. Mark Williams (Hornets C): Jokić (29.5 PPG, 13.2 RPG, 9.8 APG) erupted for 40 PTS Friday and owns Charlotte (32.0 PPG in H2H). Williams (10.1 PPG, 8.7 RPG) provides rim protection (1.1 BPG), but Jokić’s passing exploits mismatches. Edge: Jokić’s triple-double threat.
Jamal Murray (Nuggets PG) vs. LaMelo Ball (Hornets PG, if active): Murray (24.8 PPG, 6.5 APG) dropped 52 vs. Indiana midweek and thrives in transition. Ball (22.4 PPG, questionable) dazzles with flair (6.1 APG), but Denver’s No. 4 defense (111.2 OPP PPG) limits guards. If Ball sits, Vasilije Micić steps in. Edge: Murray’s clutch scoring.
Michael Porter Jr. (Nuggets SF) vs. Miles Bridges (Hornets SF): Porter (18.7 PPG, 39.2% 3PT) stretches the floor amid Gordon’s absence. Bridges (20.3 PPG, 7.1 RPG) is Charlotte’s X-factor (15 PTS Friday), using athleticism for and-ones. Edge: Bridges at home, but Porter’s shooting volume.
Russell Westbrook (Nuggets PG) vs. Kon Knueppel (Hornets SG): Westbrook (11.2 PPG off bench, 5.4 APG) brings energy and steals (1.2 SPG). The rookie Knueppel (12.5 PPG, 5 3PM Friday) is hot from deep (36.8% 3PT), but Westy disrupts rookies. Edge: Westbrook’s veteran IQ.
Aaron Jones (Nuggets PF) vs. Tidjane Salaün (Hornets SF/PF): Jones (backup, 9.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG) fills Gordon’s void with hustle. Salaün (rookie, 21 PTS Friday) impressed with 5 3PM, but Denver’s size overwhelms. Edge: Jones’ experience.
These duels highlight Denver’s star power, but Charlotte’s youth could spark if Ball plays.
Team Records and Standings Context
Denver Nuggets (16-6, 4th in West): 7-3 home, 9-3 road (nine straight road W). 9-1 in last 10, with +8.4 net rating (3rd). Offense: 120.5 PPG (4th); Defense: 111.2 OPP PPG (4th). Rebounding: 46.1 RPG (2nd), led by Jokić.
Charlotte Hornets (7-16, 13th in East): 4-8 home, 3-8 road. 3-7 in last 10, net rating -5.2 (25th). Offense: 109.8 PPG (27th); Defense: 115.0 OPP PPG (20th). Turnover-prone (15.2 per game, 28th).
Denver leads the season series 2-0, with wins of 14 and 3 points.
Recent Team Forms
The Nuggets are scorching on the road, while Charlotte clings to momentum from Friday’s rout. Quick looks:
Denver Nuggets Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Stats |
| Dec 5 | @ ATL | W 134-133 | Jokić 40P/9R/8A; 23-pt comeback |
| Dec 3 | vs. IND | W 135-120 | Murray 52P; Balanced attack |
| Dec 1 | @ DAL | L 121-131 | Jokić 29P/20R; Rare road L |
| Nov 29 | @ PHX | W 130-112 | Jokić 26P/9R/10A; Defense shines |
| Nov 28 | vs. SAS | L 136-139 | Murray 37P; OT heartbreaker |
Form: 3-2. Winners of six of eight, averaging 130.4 PPG in victories with elite rebounding (48.2 RPG). 4-1 ATS.
Charlotte Hornets Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Stats |
| Dec 5 | @ TOR | W 111-86 | Knueppel 21P/7A; Salaün 21P/5 3PM |
| Dec 3 | @ NYK | L 104-119 | Ball 34P/9A; Defense folds |
| Dec 1 | @ BKN | L 103-116 | Miller 18P; Turnovers kill |
| Nov 29 | vs. DET | W 123-116 | Miller 27P; Bridges 8R |
| Nov 29 | vs. CHI | W 118-111 OT | Bridges 35P; Clutch OT |
Form: 2-3. Snapped skid Friday with 25-point margin, holding foes to 102.4 PPG in wins. 3-2 ATS as underdogs.
Series History
All-Time Regular Season: Nuggets lead 40-30 in 70 games. Denver has won 7 of the last 10, including a 4-0 stretch over the past three seasons.
2025-26 Season Series: Nuggets 2-0. Feb 1: Nuggets 107-104 @ Hornets (Jokić 28P). Feb 20: Nuggets 129-115 vs. Hornets (Murray 31P). Averages: 226.8 total points; 70% to Nuggets SU.
Trends: UNDER in 2 of last 3 H2H; Nuggets 4-1 ATS in last 5 vs. Charlotte.
Betting Trends
Key Trends:
Nuggets: 14-8-0 ATS overall (64%); 8-4 ATS as 10+ favorites. 13-9 O/U; 9-0 SU road last nine.
Hornets: 10-12-1 ATS (45%); 6-6 ATS at home. 9-14 O/U; 3-7 SU L10.
H2H: Nuggets 7-3 SU last 10; 60% OVER in last 5.
Game Odds
Denver Nuggets – 10.5
Charlotte Hornets 234.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, December 6, 2025
