Charlotte Hornets vs Denver Nuggets Prediction | 01.18.26

Charlotte Hornets vs Denver Nuggets Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 18-01-2026

As the NBA regular season progresses, the Charlotte Hornets (15-27) travel to Ball Arena to face the Denver Nuggets (29-13) on January 18, 2026, at 8:00 PM EST. This matchup, while seemingly lopsided on paper due to the Nuggets’ superior record, presents intriguing dynamics given significant injury concerns for both squads, promising a contest that could defy conventional expectations.

Charlotte Hornets vs Denver Nuggets Matchup Preview

Charlotte Hornets Key Stats & Trends

The Charlotte Hornets, currently struggling with a 15-27 record, have been heavily reliant on the offensive brilliance of LaMelo Ball. Ball orchestrates their offense, averaging a stellar 20.4 points and 7.8 assists per game, complemented by 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals. His all-around impact, reflected in his 20.4 rating, is undeniable. However, the team’s overall inconsistency, particularly on defense, has hampered their ability to string together wins. Their recent form shows flashes of potential but lacks the sustained effort needed for a playoff push.

Injury Report Charlotte Hornets

• Moussa Diabate (Day-to-day): Diabate (hamstring) has been ruled out for Saturday’s game against the Warriors.
• Mason Plumlee (Out): Plumlee underwent surgery to address his right groin injury and will be reevaluated in six weeks, the Hornets announced.

Denver Nuggets Key Stats & Trends

The Denver Nuggets, despite their impressive 29-13 record, face a severe test of their depth. Their offense has been spearheaded by Jamal Murray, who is averaging a robust 25.8 points and 7.5 assists. Murray’s scoring and playmaking are crucial, especially with key players sidelined. Peyton Watson leads active players in the provided stats with 5.0 rebounds, highlighting a potential rebounding vulnerability. The Nuggets typically boast a strong home court advantage, but their ability to maintain defensive intensity and interior presence will be challenged.

Injury Report Denver Nuggets

• Christian Braun (Out): Braun (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday’s game against the Wizards.
• Nikola Jokic (Out): Jokic (knee) has resumed on-court workouts, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.
• Jonas Valanciunas (Out): Valanciunas will be re-evaluated in four weeks for a right calf strain that he suffered during the Nuggets’ 106-103 win over the Raptors on Wednesday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
• Cameron Johnson (Out): Johnson will be reevaluated in 4-to-6 weeks due to a right knee contusion, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
• Tamar Bates (Out): The Nuggets announced Monday that Bates (foot) will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks.

Charlotte Hornets vs Denver Nuggets Prediction & Best Bet

This game’s outcome hinges significantly on the injury reports. The Nuggets are severely depleted, missing their MVP Nikola Jokic, key big man Jonas Valanciunas, and defensive stalwart Christian Braun. This leaves a massive void in their interior defense, rebounding, and primary playmaking. While Jamal Murray is exceptional, carrying such a load against a Hornets team that, despite its own injuries to Diabate and Plumlee, still has LaMelo Ball’s offensive firepower, will be challenging.

Given the Nuggets’ extensive injuries, their ability to cover a spread, even a modest one, is questionable. The absence of Jokic and Valanciunas will open up opportunities for Charlotte’s perimeter players and create second-chance points. The Hornets’ defense is porous, but the Nuggets’ current lineup will struggle to contain Ball. Expect a high-paced game with defensive lapses on both ends. Therefore, the best bet is for the Denver Nuggets to win, but the spread feels generous given the circumstances. The total points line of 231.5 seems attainable; both teams, with their respective defensive weaknesses and offensive talent (Ball, Murray), are likely to push the pace.

Prediction: Denver Nuggets -2.5 (Spread)

Total Points: Over 231.5