Charlotte Hornets at Denver Nuggets: Odds, Injury Report, Prediction

The Charlotte Hornets are in the Mile High city tonight for a matchup with the Denver Nuggets, with tipoff set for 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Charlotte Hornets at Denver Nuggets: Odds and Moneyline (FanDuel)

Point spread: Nuggets -9

Money line: Nuggets -370/Hornets +295

Over/under: 235.5

Charlotte Hornets at Denver Nuggets: Injury Report

Hornets: Dennis Smith Jr. (left ankle sprain), Cody Martin (left knee procedure), and Mark Williams (left ankle sprain) are OUT.

Nuggets: Nikola Jokic (knee) and Jamal Murray (ankle) are PROBABLE. Michael Porter Jr. (heel) is OUT.

Charlotte Hornets at Denver Nuggets: Key Statistic

5,280 feet above sea level

Colloquially known as the “Mile High City”, playing in Denver often presents unique challenges to visiting NBA teams. The Hornets have had little time to adjust to the altitude change, as they played a home game in Charlotte less than 48 hours ago. Charlotte has historically struggled in Denver, with an all-time record of 11-21.

Charlotte Hornets at Denver Nuggets: Key Matchup

Once a member of the Nuggets for three and a half seasons, Mason Plumlee will be facing the team with whom he has spent most of his career, having played 244 games with Denver. Plumlee is averaging 9.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists this season and has already recorded 11 double doubles.

Any conversation about the Denver Nuggets has to include Nikola Jokic, the defending two-time NBA MVP. Jokic is having another spectacular season, averaging 24.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 9.0 assists while shooting 62.9% from the field.

Charlotte Hornets at Denver Nuggets: Prediction

Charlotte enters this contest at 7-22 and has lost seven straight games to fall to 15th in the Eastern Conference. The Hornets are 3-11 in road games this season and have lost 11 of their last 12 road games after beginning the year 2-0 in such games. Meanwhile, Denver had won three straight games before losing a halftime lead and falling to the Los Angeles Lakers in their most recent contest. The Nuggets have a home record of 8-3 this year. All signs point to a Nuggets victory in this contest.

What is next for the Charlotte Hornets?

Monday, December 19th – at Sacramento Kings (10:00 p.m. ET)