The Denver Nuggets are aiming to cap off their road trip on a high note as they face the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night. With one win secured, the Nuggets are looking for more before heading back home.

Denver snapped a season-worst three-game losing streak with a thrilling 137-134 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night, where both teams scored at least 30 points in every quarter. Despite 19 turnovers, the Nuggets managed to pull through, thanks in part to Nikola Jokic, who nearly notched a triple-double with 28 points, 13 assists, and nine rebounds. However, the Nuggets’ depth may be tested as they used only eight players in the previous game. Julian Strawther provided a spark off the bench with 18 points, marking his ninth double-figure scoring outing in January.
On the other hand, the Charlotte Hornets are struggling with a three-game losing streak and a 1-4 record on their current nine-game homestand. Coach Charles Lee found some positives in their recent 112-104 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, which was a more competitive effort compared to their previous 104-83 defeat against the Brooklyn Nets.
With LaMelo Ball sidelined due to a sprained ankle, forward Miles Bridges has stepped up, averaging 25.3 points over the past three games. Meanwhile, Nick Smith Jr. has faced shooting woes, going a combined 8-for-36 from the field in the last four games, but he showed potential with several 15-point games earlier in January. Vasilije Micic has also emerged as a crucial contributor in the absence of key players.
Charlotte has struggled against Western Conference teams, losing four of their past five matchups. Saturday’s game will be the first of two meetings between the Hornets and Nuggets within three weeks, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest.