Hornets Defeat Nuggets in Convincing Fashion
Sunday, January 18, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Ball Arena
Charlotte Hornets 110, Denver Nuggets 87, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Charlotte Hornets vs Denver Nuggets?
Charlotte Hornets beat Denver Nuggets 110-87 at Ball Arena on January 18, 2026.
Who was favored in Charlotte Hornets vs Denver Nuggets?
Charlotte Hornets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.
The Charlotte Hornets secured a decisive victory over the Denver Nuggets with a final score of 110-87 at Ball Arena. This win marks an important moment for the Hornets, as they have struggled throughout the season, holding a record of 16-27 compared to the Nuggets' 29-14. The matchup was particularly noteworthy as it tied the series between the two teams at 1-1, adding an extra layer of significance to the contest.
In their recent form, the Nuggets had been performing well, boasting a 7-3 record over their last ten games and riding a four-game winning streak prior to this matchup. They averaged 112.4 points scored and allowed 113.1 points during that stretch. However, they faced challenges at home, where they held a home record of 2-1 in their last three games. In contrast, the Hornets had a 4-6 record in their last ten games, with their scoring average at 120.0 points and an average of 112.6 points allowed. Their recent form included a loss to the Golden State Warriors, but they had previously secured a significant win against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The game featured a notable injury picture, with several key players listed as day-to-day. For the Nuggets, Aaron Gordon was dealing with a calf issue, and Trevon Brazile had an undisclosed injury. The Hornets were also affected by injuries, with Brandon Miller suffering from a shoulder issue and PJ Hall dealing with an ankle problem. These injuries could have influenced the performance of both teams.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Hornets favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 225.5. The odds reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with the Nuggets listed at +114 on the money line and the Hornets at -135. This indicates that the market anticipated a closely contested game, but the final result clearly favored the Hornets.
Conditions during the game were typical for a mid-January evening in Denver, with both teams battling not just each other but also the altitude that can affect player performance. Viewers were treated to a display of offensive prowess from the Hornets, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they expanded their lead significantly. Key scoring plays included Ryan Kalkbrenner's two-point shots and Julian Strawther's contributions, which helped maintain the Hornets' momentum.
The Hornets' victory can be attributed to their ability to capitalize on the Nuggets' defensive lapses and their own offensive efficiency. The Nuggets, who had been performing well leading up to this game, were unable to find their rhythm and struggled to keep pace with the Hornets' scoring. The final score of 110-87 underscores the Hornets' dominance in this matchup, marking a significant turnaround for the team as they continue to navigate their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CHA -2.5 | 225.5 o -115 / u -105 | Charlotte Hornets -135 · Denver Nuggets +114 |
Injury report
- Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
- Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets
- Brandon MillerDay-To-DayShoulderCharlotte Hornets
- PJ HallDay-To-DayAnkleCharlotte Hornets
Leaders
- PointsJamal Murray16Denver Nuggets
- AssistsJalen Pickett7Denver Nuggets
- ReboundsSpencer Jones6Denver Nuggets
- PointsBrandon Miller23Charlotte Hornets
- AssistsLaMelo Ball6Charlotte Hornets
- ReboundsTidjane Salaun11Charlotte Hornets
Recent form
Denver Nuggets
Last 10: 7-3Streak W4112.4 scored · 113.1 allowed per game2-1 at home
- W121-115vs Washington WizardsJan 18
- W118-109at Dallas MavericksJan 15
- W122-116at New Orleans PelicansJan 14
- W108-104vs Milwaukee BucksJan 12
- L87-110vs Atlanta HawksJan 10
- W114-110at Boston CelticsJan 8
- W125-124at Philadelphia 76ersJan 6
- L115-127at Brooklyn NetsJan 4
- L108-113at Cleveland CavaliersJan 3
- W106-103at Toronto RaptorsJan 1
Charlotte Hornets
Last 10: 4-6Streak L1120 scored · 112.6 allowed per game4-3 away
- L116-136at Golden State WarriorsJan 18
- W135-117at Los Angeles LakersJan 16
- L109-117at LA ClippersJan 13
- W150-95at Utah JazzJan 11
- L112-114vs Indiana PacersJan 9
- L96-97vs Toronto RaptorsJan 8
- W124-97at Oklahoma City ThunderJan 6
- W112-99at Chicago BullsJan 4
- L121-122at Milwaukee BucksJan 3
- L125-132vs Golden State WarriorsDec 31
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 36 | L1 | .561 | 46 |
| Orlando | 1 | 37 | L1 | .549 | 45 |
| Charlotte | 2 | 38 | W1 | .537 | 44 |
| Miami | 3 | 39 | W2 | .524 | 43 |
| Washington | 29 | 65 | L10 | .207 | 17 |
| Oklahoma City | - | 18 | L2 | .780 | 64 |
| Denver | 10 | 28 | W12 | .659 | 54 |
| Minnesota | 15 | 33 | W2 | .598 | 49 |
| Portland | 22 | 40 | W2 | .512 | 42 |
| Utah | 42 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
Box score
| Stat | Charlotte Hornets | Denver Nuggets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 44-89 | 32-79 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 41 |
| Three-pointers | 11-34 | 8-38 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 21 |
| Free throws | 11-13 | 15-18 |
| Free throw % | 85 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 52 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 16 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 36 | 21 |
| Assists | 30 | 21 |
| Steals | 4 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 17 |
| Points in the paint | 62 | 32 |
| Fouls | 19 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 33 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 99 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter72-46Brandon Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter74-46Brandon Miller makes 10-foot pullup jump shot (Moussa Diabate assists)
- 3rd Quarter74-47Hunter Tyson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter74-49Spencer Jones makes 1-foot running dunk
- 3rd Quarter76-49Brandon Miller makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter78-49Tidjane Salaun makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter78-52Julian Strawther makes 27-foot three point jumper (Bruce Brown assists)
- 3rd Quarter80-52Kon Knueppel makes 10-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter80-54Julian Strawther makes 11-foot driving floating jump shot (DaRon Holmes II assists)
- 3rd Quarter83-54Josh Green makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kon Knueppel assists)
- 3rd Quarter83-57DaRon Holmes II makes 25-foot three point jumper (Hunter Tyson assists)
- 3rd Quarter85-57Ryan Kalkbrenner makes 4-foot layup (Collin Sexton assists)
- 3rd Quarter87-57Tidjane Salaun makes dunk (Ryan Kalkbrenner assists)
- 4th Quarter89-57Ryan Kalkbrenner makes 5-foot hook shot (Collin Sexton assists)
- 4th Quarter89-59Bruce Brown makes running dunk (DaRon Holmes II assists)
- 4th Quarter91-59Collin Sexton makes driving layup (Sion James assists)
- 4th Quarter92-59Collin Sexton makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter92-62Bruce Brown makes 24-foot three point jumper (Julian Strawther assists)
- 4th Quarter94-62Ryan Kalkbrenner makes 4-foot two point shot (Tre Mann assists)
- 4th Quarter95-62Ryan Kalkbrenner makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter95-65DaRon Holmes II makes 26-foot three point jumper (Bruce Brown assists)
- 4th Quarter95-67Bruce Brown makes running layup (Julian Strawther assists)
- 4th Quarter97-67Tidjane Salaun makes alley oop layup (Sion James assists)
- 4th Quarter97-68Julian Strawther makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-69Julian Strawther makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-72Julian Strawther makes 23-foot three point jumper (Bruce Brown assists)
- 4th Quarter97-74Bruce Brown makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter100-74Pat Connaughton makes 30-foot three point jumper (Tidjane Salaun assists)
- 4th Quarter100-76Zeke Nnaji makes 21-foot jumper (Jalen Pickett assists)
- 4th Quarter102-76Ryan Kalkbrenner makes 1-foot dunk (Pat Connaughton assists)
- 4th Quarter104-76Tre Mann makes 2-foot two point shot (Pat Connaughton assists)
- 4th Quarter104-78Jalen Pickett makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter106-78Ryan Kalkbrenner makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter106-80Julian Strawther makes running layup
- 4th Quarter106-81Julian Strawther makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter108-81Ryan Kalkbrenner makes 2-foot dunk (Pat Connaughton assists)
- 4th Quarter108-82DaRon Holmes II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-84Julian Strawther makes driving layup (Zeke Nnaji assists)
- 4th Quarter110-84Ryan Kalkbrenner makes dunk (Sion James assists)
- 4th Quarter110-87Jalen Pickett makes 26-foot three point jumper (Hunter Tyson assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Denver Nuggets, below favours Charlotte Hornets.
Venue
- Ball ArenaDenver, CO
- Attendance19971
- OfficialsJosh Tiven, Sean Corbin, Leon Wood
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