Charlotte Hornets forward Liam McNeeley (33) scrambles for the ball (Image via Imagn) The Charlotte Hornets are set to play the Denver Nuggets on January 18, 2026, at Ball Arena. It is the final stop of a long road trip for Charlotte and another test for Denver as they continue to manage life without their biggest name. Even with injuries on both sides, the game carries weight for two teams moving in very different directions this season.Denver comes into the matchup as a narrow 1.5-point favorite. That line reflects their strong home record but also the uncertainty around their lineup. Charlotte, meanwhile, has spent the past week on the road and is trying to avoid ending the trip on a low note. The setting, the altitude, and the current form of both teams all play into how this game could unfold.
Charlotte Hornets vs Denver Nuggets Injury Situation for Both Teams (January 18, 2026)
Charlotte Hornets’ frontcourt is something that the team has been having issues with. Moussa Diabate is listed as questionable with a hamstring issue, which could limit the Hornets’ rebounding and interior defense. Mason Plumlee is already ruled out after undergoing groin surgery, further thinning their options inside.Denver’s injury list is more headline-driven. Nikola Jokic is still sidelined with a hyperextended knee and bone bruise. While his return is expected later in January, he will not be available for this game. Christian Braun is also a game-time decision due to an ankle issue, which could affect Denver’s perimeter defense and rotation depth.
History Favors Denver Nuggets
The numbers between these teams lean heavily toward Denver. The Nuggets have won 41 of the 71 regular-season meetings. Their most recent matchup on December 7, 2025, ended in a 115-106 win for Denver in Charlotte. That game was led by Jamal Murray, who scored 34 points during what became a franchise-record 10-game road winning streak. Denver had also won eight straight games in the series before that meeting.
Charlotte Hornets vs Denver Nuggets Where Both Teams Stand Now
Charlotte enters the game with a 15-27 record, placing them 12th in the Eastern Conference. They are 8-15 on the road and coming off a 136-116 loss to Golden State. Denver sits at 29-13, third in the Western Conference, and holds a 12-6 record at home. They are currently riding a four-game winning streak despite playing without Jokic.
Key Stats Comparison
CategoryCharlotte Hornets (2025-26)Denver Nuggets (2025-26) Record 15-27 (12th East) 29-13 (3rd West) Points Per Game Leader LaMelo Ball – 19.9 Jamal Murray – 25.8 Rebounds Leader Moussa Diabate – 8.2 Nikola Jokic – 10.6 Assists Leader LaMelo Ball – 7.8 Jamal Murray – 9.2 Recent Form 2-2 on road trip Four straight winsAlso read: Is LaMelo Ball playing tonight vs the Denver Nuggets? Latest update on Charlotte Hornets star’s injury report (January 18, 2026)
What to Expect at Ball Arena
Charlotte will lean heavily on LaMelo Ball to control the offense, but defensive issues remain a problem, especially after allowing 23 three-pointers in their last game. Denver, averaging 124.0 points per game early in the season, has shown it can score even without Jokic. With Jamal Murray leading the way and the advantage of playing at home, Denver enters with the edge, while Charlotte looks for a road upset to close its trip.