The Utah Jazz (10-17) visit the Denver Nuggets (20-7) in a Northwest Division clash that pits a struggling Jazz squad against a Nuggets team looking to rebound from a recent home loss while maintaining their strong position in the Western Conference. Denver, playing at Ball Arena, aims to extend their five-game winning streak against Utah, leveraging Nikola Jokic’s dominance amid injuries on both sides. The Jazz, on a two-game losing streak, hope Lauri Markkanen’s potential return sparks their offense against a Nuggets defense ranked top-5 in efficiency. This matchup could feature high scoring if Denver’s pace overwhelms Utah’s leaky defense (allowing 118+ points per game recently), but injuries might lead to a grind-it-out affair focused on rebounding and transition defense.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. This state-of-the-art venue, opened in 1999 and renovated in 2021, has a seating capacity of 19,520 for basketball and is known for its high-altitude advantage (5,280 feet), modern video boards, and energetic crowd.
Tip-off is scheduled for Monday, December 22, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. MT). The game will be broadcast on Altitude for Nuggets coverage and KJZZ/Jazz+ for Jazz fans, with streaming available via NBA League Pass. Radio options include the Nuggets Radio Network (Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM) and Jazz Radio Network (KSL 97.5 FM).
Injury Report
Both teams are hampered by injuries, with Denver’s frontcourt thinned and Utah managing key absences that could impact their spacing and defense.
Utah Jazz Injuries:
Elijah Harkless (F): Out (G League – Two-Way); minimal rotation impact.
Walker Kessler (C): Out (left shoulder injury); a significant loss for rim protection.
Lauri Markkanen (F): Game-time decision (groin injury management); his potential absence hurts scoring and spacing.
Georges Niang (F): Out (foot injury); weakens bench shooting.
Denver Nuggets Injuries:
Tamar Bates (G): Out (G League – Two-Way); no major impact.
Christian Braun (G): Out (left ankle sprain); affects wing depth and energy.
Aaron Gordon (F): Out (right hamstring strain/right calf strain); a key loss for versatility and defense.
Peyton Watson (G/F): Game-time decision (side injury); could limit perimeter defense if out.
Player Matchups to Watch
Injuries elevate these battles, focusing on Jokic’s dominance and perimeter defense in a potential fast-paced game.
Nikola Jokic (DEN) vs. Lauri Markkanen (UTA, if active): Jokic’s playmaking (triple-double threat) tests Markkanen’s length; if Markkanen sits, Walker Kessler’s absence leaves Utah vulnerable inside.
Jamal Murray (DEN) vs. Keyonte George (UTA): Murray’s scoring (20+ PPG) exploits George’s inexperience, key in pick-and-roll sets.
Michael Porter Jr. (DEN) vs. Taylor Hendricks (UTA): Porter’s shooting stretches Hendricks, potentially opening lanes for Jokic.
Aaron Gordon (DEN, out) vs. John Collins (UTA): Gordon’s absence shifts to Watson or others vs. Collins’ athleticism in rebounding duels.
Christian Braun (DEN, out) vs. Collin Sexton (UTA): Braun’s energy missing; Sexton’s speed could create transition opportunities against Denver’s bench.
Team Records
Utah Jazz: 10-17 overall, near the bottom of the Northwest Division.
Denver Nuggets: 20-7 overall, leading the Northwest Division.
Recent Team Forms
Denver enters with strong home form, while Utah struggles on the road.
Utah Jazz (Last 5 Games): Averaging 118.4 points scored and 124.8 allowed, with a 2-3 record including close losses. Form: L-L-W-W-L.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 21 | vs. Orlando | L 127-128 |
| Dec 20 | @ Detroit | L (not detailed, but loss) |
| Dec 18 | vs. LA Lakers | W (not detailed) |
| Dec 12 | vs. Memphis | W 130-126 |
| Dec 5 | @ New York | L (not detailed) |
Denver Nuggets (Last 5 Games): Averaging 120.8 points scored and 116.6 allowed, with a 3-2 record including a recent loss. Form: L-W-W-W-L.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 20 | vs. Houston | L 101-115 |
| Dec 18 | vs. Orlando | W 126-115 |
| Dec 5 | @ Atlanta | W 134-133 |
| Dec 3 | @ Indiana | W 135-120 |
| Dec 1 | vs. Dallas | L 121-131 |
Series History
The Jazz lead the all-time regular-season series 124-93 in 217 games, with a 57.1% win rate for Utah. However, Denver has dominated recently, going 5-0 in their last five meetings, including a 129-93 win on March 27, 2025. At Ball Arena, Denver holds a slight edge in recent years. Games average 224 combined points, trending under in blowouts but over in close contests.
Betting Trends
Trends: Utah is 5-5 ATS in their last 10 but 3-8 ATS on the road. Denver is 3-2 ATS in their last five and 9-5 ATS at home. The over has hit in 60% of Jazz road games and 55% of Nuggets home contests this season. Utah has cashed as +13 or more underdogs in 3 of 5 such spots, while Denver covers as double-digit favorites in 70% of home games.
Game Odds
Utah Jazz 250.5
Denver Nuggets – 13.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 21, 2025
