Nuggets Edge Bucks in Close Matchup at Fiserv Forum
Friday, January 23, 2026, 9:30 PM ET · Fiserv Forum
Denver Nuggets 102, Milwaukee Bucks 100, 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 Denver Nuggets vs Milwaukee Bucks?
Denver Nuggets beat Milwaukee Bucks 102-100 at Fiserv Forum on January 23, 2026.
Who was favored in Denver Nuggets vs Milwaukee Bucks?
Milwaukee Bucks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -325 (about 76% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested game at Fiserv Forum, the Denver Nuggets narrowly defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 102-100, marking their third consecutive victory over Milwaukee in the current season series, which they now lead 3-0. The Bucks, struggling with a home record of 18-26, faced a formidable opponent in the Nuggets, who boast a strong away record of 31-15.
The Bucks entered this matchup with a recent form of 4-6 over their last ten games, including a disappointing loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder just two days prior, where they fell 102-122. Their scoring average at home has been 109.3 points, but they have allowed an average of 115.2 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. In their last five games, the Bucks have only managed to win once, averaging 105.0 points while allowing 119.6 points, which reflects their struggles on both ends of the court.
On the other hand, the Nuggets have been in better form, winning seven of their last ten games and coming off a victory against the Washington Wizards, where they won 107-97. Their scoring average on the road stands at 109.6 points, while they allow 111.0 points, showcasing a balanced performance. Denver's recent success includes a streak of three wins in their last five games, with an average of 108.0 points scored and 109.2 points allowed.
Historically, the Bucks have had a mixed record against the Nuggets, with the home team winning two of the last three meetings prior to this game. Their last encounter on January 12, 2026, saw the Nuggets edge the Bucks 108-104, adding to the Bucks' woes in the series. The Bucks' only win against the Nuggets in recent seasons came on February 28, 2025, when they secured a 121-112 victory at home.
In terms of injuries, both teams faced challenges. The Bucks had Kevin Porter Jr. listed as Day-To-Day due to a knee issue. Meanwhile, the Nuggets had Aaron Gordon and Trevon Brazile also marked as Day-To-Day, with Gordon dealing with a calf problem and Brazile's injury undisclosed. The availability of these key players could have significant implications for both teams, particularly in a close game like this.
The betting market reflected the competitive nature of this matchup, with DraftKings listing the Bucks as 8.5-point favorites. The total for the game was set at 213.5 points, indicating expectations for a relatively low-scoring affair. The moneyline odds were -325 for the Bucks and +260 for the Nuggets, further emphasizing the perceived advantage for Milwaukee as the home team.
The game conditions were typical for a January evening in Milwaukee, with the indoor climate at Fiserv Forum providing a controlled environment for both teams to showcase their skills. Fans were treated to a thrilling finish, with the Nuggets holding a slim lead as the game entered the final moments. Key plays down the stretch included Zeke Nnaji's free throws and Ryan Rollins' crucial three-pointer that brought the Bucks within striking distance.
As the game concluded, the Bucks' chance of winning was evaluated at 0.0%, underscoring the Nuggets' effective execution in the closing minutes. This matchup not only highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams but also set the stage for their upcoming encounters as they continue to vie for playoff positioning.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIL -8.5 | 213.5 o -110 / u -110 | Denver Nuggets +260 · Milwaukee Bucks -325 |
Injury report
- Kevin Porter Jr.Day-To-DayKneeMilwaukee Bucks
- Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
- Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets
Leaders
- PointsGiannis Antetokounmpo22Milwaukee Bucks
- AssistsGiannis Antetokounmpo7Milwaukee Bucks
- ReboundsGiannis Antetokounmpo13Milwaukee Bucks
- PointsJulian Strawther20Denver Nuggets
- AssistsJalen Pickett7Denver Nuggets
- ReboundsZeke Nnaji12Denver Nuggets
Recent form
Milwaukee Bucks
Last 10: 4-6Streak L1109.3 scored · 115.2 allowed per game1-3 at home
- L102-122vs Oklahoma City ThunderJan 22
- W112-110at Atlanta HawksJan 19
- L101-119at San Antonio SpursJan 16
- L106-139vs Minnesota TimberwolvesJan 14
- L104-108at Denver NuggetsJan 12
- W105-101at Los Angeles LakersJan 10
- L113-120at Golden State WarriorsJan 8
- W115-98at Sacramento KingsJan 5
- W122-121vs Charlotte HornetsJan 3
- L113-114vs Washington WizardsJan 1
Denver Nuggets
Last 10: 7-3Streak W1109.6 scored · 111 allowed per game5-0 away
- W107-97at Washington WizardsJan 23
- L107-115vs Los Angeles LakersJan 21
- L87-110vs Charlotte HornetsJan 19
- 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
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
Box score
| Stat | Denver Nuggets | Milwaukee Bucks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 35-87 | 34-85 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 12-41 | 12-39 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 31 |
| Free throws | 20-23 | 20-27 |
| Free throw % | 87 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 47 | 51 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 41 | 40 |
| Assists | 27 | 24 |
| Steals | 8 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 21 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 46 | 36 |
| Fouls | 19 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 23 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 80 | 14 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter73-58Bruce Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter73-61Kyle Kuzma makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cole Anthony assists)
- 3rd Quarter76-61Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 27-foot three point jumper (Hunter Tyson assists)
- 3rd Quarter78-61Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 1-foot driving dunk (Bruce Brown assists)
- 3rd Quarter78-63Cole Anthony makes driving layup (Kyle Kuzma assists)
- 4th Quarter81-63Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 27-foot three point jumper (Bruce Brown assists)
- 4th Quarter82-63Tim Hardaway Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter83-63Tim Hardaway Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-63Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 22-foot three point jumper (Curtis Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter86-64Giannis Antetokounmpo makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-65Giannis Antetokounmpo makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-68Bobby Portis makes 23-foot three point jumper (Andre Jackson Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter88-68Curtis Jones makes 9-foot floating jump shot (Bruce Brown assists)
- 4th Quarter88-70Giannis Antetokounmpo makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter88-73Ryan Rollins makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter91-73Bruce Brown makes 24-foot three point jumper (Julian Strawther assists)
- 4th Quarter91-75Bobby Portis makes 12-foot floating jump shot (Kyle Kuzma assists)
- 4th Quarter93-75Bruce Brown makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter93-77Ryan Rollins makes running layup (Kyle Kuzma assists)
- 4th Quarter95-77Zeke Nnaji makes layup (Jalen Pickett assists)
- 4th Quarter95-79Ryan Rollins makes 10-foot step back jumpshot (Giannis Antetokounmpo assists)
- 4th Quarter95-80Giannis Antetokounmpo makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-81Giannis Antetokounmpo makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-82Giannis Antetokounmpo makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-83Giannis Antetokounmpo makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-84Giannis Antetokounmpo makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-85Giannis Antetokounmpo makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-87Giannis Antetokounmpo makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter97-87Zeke Nnaji makes layup (Tim Hardaway Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter97-88Giannis Antetokounmpo makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-89Giannis Antetokounmpo makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-92Bobby Portis makes 24-foot three pointer (Ryan Rollins assists)
- 4th Quarter98-92Zeke Nnaji makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-92Zeke Nnaji makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-94Ryan Rollins makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter99-97Ryan Rollins makes 25-foot three pointer (Myles Turner assists)
- 4th Quarter100-97Tim Hardaway Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-97Tim Hardaway Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-100Ryan Rollins makes 24-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter102-100Jalen Pickett makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Milwaukee Bucks, below favours Denver Nuggets.
Venue
- Fiserv ForumMilwaukee, WI
- Attendance17341
- OfficialsCurtis Blair, Michael Smith, Mitchell Ervin
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