Nuggets Edge 76ers in Overtime Thriller
Monday, January 5, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · Xfinity Mobile Arena
Denver Nuggets 125, Philadelphia 76ers 124, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
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Quick answers
Who won Denver Nuggets vs Philadelphia 76ers?
Denver Nuggets beat Philadelphia 76ers 125-124 at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 5, 2026.
Who was favored in Denver Nuggets vs Philadelphia 76ers?
Philadelphia 76ers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -850 (about 89% implied). The underdog won.
In a dramatic finish, the Denver Nuggets narrowly defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 125-124 in overtime at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. This matchup was notable as it marked the first meeting of the season between these two teams, with the Nuggets now leading the series 1-0. The game showcased the competitive spirit of both franchises, with the 76ers looking to improve their standing and the Nuggets aiming to solidify their position in the league.
The Philadelphia 76ers entered the game with a home record of 19-15 and had shown some recent form, winning three consecutive games leading up to this matchup. Their last ten games reflected a record of 6-4, with an average of 117.3 points scored and 116.1 points allowed. In their last five games, they averaged 119.6 points while allowing 120.2, indicating a slight defensive vulnerability despite their offensive capabilities. The 76ers' home record was 2-1 in their last three games, showcasing their ability to perform well on their own court.
On the other hand, the Denver Nuggets came into the game with a stronger away record of 24-12. However, they had struggled recently, losing their last two games and posting a record of 4-6 over their last ten. Their scoring average during this stretch was 121.2 points, but they also allowed an average of 122.8 points, highlighting their defensive issues. The Nuggets had a home record of 3-1 in their last four games, but their away performance had been less impressive, with a record of 1-5 in their last six away games.
In terms of injuries, both teams were dealing with key players listed as day-to-day. For the 76ers, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was uncertain due to a finger injury. The Nuggets were also facing potential absences, with Aaron Gordon dealing with a calf issue and Trevon Brazile listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. The status of these players could have significant implications for both teams as they navigate the season.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the 76ers favored by 14.5 points, with a total set at 228.5. The moneyline showed the 76ers at -850 and the Nuggets at 575, indicating a strong belief in the 76ers' ability to win, despite their recent struggles. The odds reflected the competitive nature of the matchup and the expectations surrounding both teams.
The game conditions were typical for an indoor basketball setting, allowing both teams to focus on their strategies without external weather factors influencing play. Fans could expect a high-paced game, given the offensive capabilities of both teams.
Throughout the game, viewers were treated to a showcase of talent, particularly in the fourth quarter and overtime. Key moments included Bruce Brown's free throws that extended the Nuggets' lead and VJ Edgecombe's crucial three-pointer that kept the 76ers in contention. Tyrese Maxey's two-point shot, assisted by Edgecombe, tied the game at 120-120, pushing the matchup into overtime.
In overtime, Jalen Pickett's step-back three-pointer gave the Nuggets a critical edge, but Joel Embiid's driving layup kept the 76ers within striking distance. VJ Edgecombe's dunk provided a moment of excitement for the home crowd, but Bruce Brown's running layup sealed the victory for the Nuggets.
This game exemplified the intensity and unpredictability of NBA matchups, with both teams demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses. The close score reflects the competitive nature of the league, and the outcome may have implications for both teams moving forward as they continue their campaigns.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | PHI -14.5 | 228.5 o -108 / u -112 | Denver Nuggets +575 · Philadelphia 76ers -850 |
Injury report
- Kentavious Caldwell-PopeDay-To-DayFingerPhiladelphia 76ers
- Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
- Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets
Leaders
- PointsJoel Embiid32Philadelphia 76ers
- AssistsVJ Edgecombe9Philadelphia 76ers
- ReboundsJoel Embiid10Philadelphia 76ers
- PointsJalen Pickett29Denver Nuggets
- AssistsJalen Pickett7Denver Nuggets
- ReboundsZeke Nnaji8Denver Nuggets
Recent form
Philadelphia 76ers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W3117.3 scored · 116.1 allowed per game2-1 at home
- W130-119at New York KnicksJan 4
- W123-108at Dallas MavericksJan 2
- W139-136at Memphis GrizzliesDec 31
- L104-129at Oklahoma City ThunderDec 28
- L102-109at Chicago BullsDec 27
- L106-114vs Brooklyn NetsDec 24
- W121-114vs Dallas MavericksDec 21
- W116-107at New York KnicksDec 20
- L117-120at Atlanta HawksDec 14
- W115-105vs Indiana PacersDec 13
Denver Nuggets
Last 10: 4-6Streak L2121.2 scored · 122.8 allowed per game1-5 away
- L115-127at Brooklyn NetsJan 4
- L108-113at Cleveland CavaliersJan 3
- W106-103at Toronto RaptorsJan 1
- L123-147at Miami HeatDec 30
- L126-127at Orlando MagicDec 28
- W142-138vs Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 26
- L130-131at Dallas MavericksDec 24
- W135-112vs Utah JazzDec 23
- L101-115vs Houston RocketsDec 20
- W126-115vs Orlando MagicDec 19
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 |
| Boston | - | 26 | W2 | .683 | 56 |
| New York | 3 | 29 | L1 | .646 | 53 |
| Toronto | 10 | 36 | W1 | .561 | 46 |
| Philadelphia | 11 | 37 | W2 | .549 | 45 |
| Brooklyn | 36 | 62 | L3 | .244 | 20 |
Box score
| Stat | Denver Nuggets | Philadelphia 76ers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 43-81 | 46-98 |
| Field goal % | 53 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 18-37 | 17-45 |
| Three-point % | 49 | 38 |
| Free throws | 21-28 | 15-19 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 28 |
| Assists | 26 | 28 |
| Steals | 6 | 9 |
| Blocks | 6 | 9 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 28 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 19 | 17 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 50 |
| Fouls | 18 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 18 | 18 |
| Time in front | 57 | 32 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter81-90Jabari Walker makes running layup (Jared McCain assists)
- 3rd Quarter84-90Zeke Nnaji makes 27-foot three point jumper (Julian Strawther assists)
- 3rd Quarter85-90Zeke Nnaji makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter85-93VJ Edgecombe makes 26-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter87-93Peyton Watson makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter89-93Zeke Nnaji makes 1-foot two point shot (Julian Strawther assists)
- 4th Quarter89-95Adem Bona makes dunk (Jared McCain assists)
- 4th Quarter89-98Tyrese Maxey makes 26-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter91-98Hunter Tyson makes driving layup (Zeke Nnaji assists)
- 4th Quarter92-98Hunter Tyson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter92-100Quentin Grimes makes driving layup (Tyrese Maxey assists)
- 4th Quarter94-100Spencer Jones makes 9-foot two point shot (Jalen Pickett assists)
- 4th Quarter96-100Julian Strawther makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter98-100Jalen Pickett makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Spencer Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter101-100Hunter Tyson makes 25-foot running pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter102-100Hunter Tyson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter104-100Jalen Pickett makes 2-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter105-100Peyton Watson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-100Peyton Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-102Joel Embiid makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter106-104Joel Embiid makes 4-foot driving floating jump shot (Tyrese Maxey assists)
- 4th Quarter107-104Peyton Watson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-104Peyton Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-107Quentin Grimes makes 26-foot three point jumper (VJ Edgecombe assists)
- 4th Quarter111-107Zeke Nnaji makes 27-foot three point jumper (Peyton Watson assists)
- 4th Quarter111-108Tyrese Maxey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-109Tyrese Maxey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-112VJ Edgecombe makes 26-foot three pointer (Adem Bona assists)
- 4th Quarter113-112Zeke Nnaji makes two point shot (Jalen Pickett assists)
- 4th Quarter115-112Bruce Brown makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter115-115Quentin Grimes makes 23-foot three point jumper (Adem Bona assists)
- 4th Quarter118-115Bruce Brown makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jalen Pickett assists)
- 4th Quarter119-115Bruce Brown makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter120-115Bruce Brown makes free throw 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter119-118VJ Edgecombe makes 26-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter120-120Tyrese Maxey makes two point shot (VJ Edgecombe assists)
- OT123-120Jalen Pickett makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- OT123-122Joel Embiid makes driving layup
- OT123-124VJ Edgecombe makes 1-foot dunk (Paul George assists)
- OT125-124Bruce Brown makes running layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Philadelphia 76ers, below favours Denver Nuggets.
Venue
- Xfinity Mobile ArenaPhiladelphia, PA
- Attendance18521
- OfficialsKarl Lane, Natalie Sago, JD Ralls
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