Charlotte Hornets vs Denver Nuggets Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 01/18/26

It was a tough outing for the Hornets’ defense last night, as they got destroyed by the Golden State Warriors 136-116. Less than 24 hours later, they are in Denver to finish off their 5-game West Coast road trip on which they have won twice and lost as many times. Offensively, Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel excelled in yesterday’s game, but other than them it wasn’t the most efficient of games. Will the trip to Denver be a successful one? History tells us no. The Nuggets have won 8 in a row against this team and 7 of 8 at Ball Arena, so even if they are shorthanded the home team is still the favorite.

Denver is looking pretty solid at the moment; it has won 4 consecutive games and has scored 118 or more in 3 straight. Those numbers sound amazing when we take into consideration that Nikola Jokic is still out, but you have to pause a bit and look at the opponents during this stretch. The Nuggets beat Milwaukee, New Orleans, Dallas and Washington — all lottery-bound teams. Charlotte’s record puts it in a similar category, so it’s understandable that the Nuggets fans are expecting another win tonight. They have won 12 of 18 at home, plus in the first meeting of the season we saw them win 115-106 in Charlotte back in early December.

I have to say I expected more from the Hornets last night against Golden State, but their defense decided to take the night off. This being the final game of the long and grueling trip, I have a feeling most players are just looking to get it over with before they can return home to the comfort of their own beds. The over has cashed in 4 of the last 5 Hornets games and in 5 of 6 against Western Conference opponents. Denver is 27-15 on the O/U for the season and 11-7 in home games. I’m backing the over.

Hornets vs Nuggets prediction: Over 231.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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