The sky seemed to be falling for the Denver Nuggets when Nikola Jokic was facing an extended spell on the sidelines, but instead, they’re on a hot streak heading into tonight’s matchup with the Charlotte Hornets.
Denver is 6-1 in its last seven games, and my Hornets vs Nuggets predictions expect big-time production from the hosts’ role players against a Charlotte team that brings an ugly 8-15 road record to Ball Arena.
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Read on for my NBA picks ahead of this battle on Sunday, January 18.
Hornets vs Nuggets prediction
Hornets vs Nuggets best bet: Peyton Watson Over 18.5 points (-115)
The Denver Nuggets have needed contributions from up and down the roster to survive Nikola Jokic’s absence, and Peyton Watson’s emergence has to be among the biggest pluses to come out of this stretch.
It’s easy to forget that Watson averaged just 8.1 PPG last season, but he’s looked like a different player this year, with a major take-off this month in an expanded role. Spreading his wings as an offensive force, he’s averaging 23.6 PPG in January.
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Watson has gone past this O/U number in nine of his last 10 outings, including a 21-point effort yesterday against the Washington Wizards, and I see Denver leaning on his athleticism in the second game of a back-to-back set.
While Watson’s 48% mark from 3-point range isn’t sustainable, he can get buckets in other ways, too. In addition to Jokic, the Nuggets will still be without Cam Johnson and possibly Christian Braun, so shot volume shouldn’t be a factor.
The Charlotte Hornets gave up 136 points against the Golden State Warriors last night, and there’s no reason to think the visitors’ defense will fare any better with Watson & Co. on the charge.
Hornets vs Nuggets same-game parlay
Give me the team that’s finding a way to grind out victories and maximizing its talent. The Nuggets are 12-6 at Ball Arena this season, and 26-16 ATS overall, and Jamal Murray is coming off a lights-out effort against Washington. I can’t trust the Hornets offense to show up here after some wildly erratic totals in January.
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Brandon Miller has put together consecutive strong shooting nights, but his assist tallies have been even steadier. He’s dished 4+ dimes in four straight games, and I expect him to flash his playmaking skills in what should be an end-to-end contest.
Hornets vs Nuggets SGP
Peyton Watson Over 18.5 points
Our “from downtown” SGP: Doing Things the Hardaway
Tim Hardaway Jr. has knocked down 17 threes across his past four outings, and he dropped 30 points on the Wizards last night. With the Nuggets short on sharpshooters, Hardaway has a neon green light to let it fly from beyond the arc.
Hornets vs Nuggets SGP
Peyton Watson Over 18.5 points
Brandon Miller Over 3.5 assists
Tim Hardaway Jr. Over 3.5 threes
Hornets vs Nuggets odds
Spread: Hornets -1.5 (-110) | Nuggets +1.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Hornets -120 | Nuggets +100
Over/Under: Over 228.5 (-110) | Under 228.5 (-110)
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Hornets vs Nuggets betting trend to know
The Nuggets are 9-1 SU in their last 10 matchups against the Hornets. Find more NBA betting trends for Hornets vs. Nuggets.
How to watch Hornets vs Nuggets
Location
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN SE Charlotte, Altitude
Hornets vs Nuggets latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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