Jan. 18, 2026, 11:00 a.m. ET

The Charlotte Hornets (15-27) visit the Denver Nuggets (29-13) on Sunday. Tip-off from Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, is at 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Hornets vs. Nuggets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Nuggets lead 1-0

The Hornets are closing out a 5-game road trip in which they have gone 2-2 so far. They are coming off a 136-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors Saturday. Charlotte failed to cover as a 7.5-point underdog and the Over (237.5) cashed. The Hornets never led in the game.

The Nuggets have won 6 of their last 7 games and enter Sunday on a 4-game winning streak. They beat the Washington Wizards 121-115 Saturday. Denver failed to cover as an 11.5-point home favorite and the Over (228.5) cashed. Playing without C Nikola Jokic for the 10th consecutive game, G Jamal Murray scored 42 points, hitting 5 3-pointers, while G Tim Hardaway Jr. also made 5 3-pointers in a 30-point performance.

The Nuggets beat the Hornets 115-106 in Charlotte Dec. 7. The Hornets covered as a 10.5-point underdog and the Under (236.5) cashed.

Watch the NBA on Fubo!Hornets at Nuggets odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Hornets +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Nuggets -120 (bet $120 to win $100)Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +1.5 (-110) | Nuggets -1.5 (-110)Over/Under (O/U): 227.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Hornets at Nuggets key injuries

Hornets

(Not yet submitted — below was for Saturday’s game)

F Moussa Diabate (hamstring) out

Nuggets

(Not yet submitted — below was for Saturday’s game)

G Christian Braun (ankle) outF Cam Johnson (knee) outC Nikola Jokic (knee) outC Jonas Valanciunas (calf) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Hornets at Nuggets picks and predictionsPrediction

Nuggets 117, Hornets 110

The Hornets, even after going 2-2 on this road trip, are just 8-15 in away games this season. They have allowed at least 117 points in their last 3 games.

The Nuggets are 6-1 in their last 7 games and 7-3 with Jokic out. They are 12-6 at home.

There is no significant difference in their records on no rest — Charlotte is 5-3, and Denver is 5-2.

That said, the Nuggets are playing very well right now and should get the win. However, you can get slightly better value with the spread, as they only need to win by 2 to cover.

PASS.

Saturday’s win was just the fourth time the Nuggets failed to cover the spread in a victory. They are 25-4 ATS in their 29 outright wins.

The Hornets have suffered 2 1-point losses this season, meaning 25 of their 27 losses have come by 2 points or more.

BET NUGGETS -1.5 (-110).

The first meeting between these teams totaled just 221 points.

Three of the Hornets’ last 4 games have featured more than 228 points, and the Over has cashed in each of the Nuggets’ last 3 games.

However, 3 of the Hornets’ last 4 losses have failed to reach 228 points.

BET UNDER 227.5 (-110).

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