Nuggets Defeat Magic 126-115 at Ball Arena
Thursday, December 18, 2025, 9:00 PM ET · Ball Arena
Denver Nuggets 126, Orlando Magic 115, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
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Quick answers
Who won Orlando Magic vs Denver Nuggets?
Denver Nuggets beat Orlando Magic 126-115 at Ball Arena on December 18, 2025.
Who was favored in Orlando Magic vs Denver Nuggets?
Denver Nuggets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -270 (about 73% implied). The favorite won.
The Denver Nuggets secured a decisive victory over the Orlando Magic, finishing the game with a score of 126-115 at Ball Arena. This win marked the Nuggets' fifth consecutive victory, showcasing their strong form as they continue to dominate at home. With this result, Denver improved their home record to 21-6 for the season, while Orlando fell to 15-13 on the road.
In the lead-up to this matchup, the Nuggets had been performing exceptionally well, boasting a 7-3 record over their last ten games, with an impressive scoring average of 128.3 points per game while allowing 121.4. Their recent performances included wins against teams like the Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings, further solidifying their position as a formidable contender in the league. Conversely, the Magic had a 6-4 record in their last ten games, but their recent form was less consistent, with an average of 119.8 points scored and 115.6 points allowed. Orlando's last game resulted in a loss to the New York Knicks, which added pressure as they faced a strong Nuggets team.
Historically, this fixture has favored the Nuggets, who now lead the series 2-0 against the Magic in the current season. In their previous encounters, Denver had won convincingly, including a 112-90 victory earlier in February and a 113-100 win in January, indicating a trend of dominance in their matchups.
In terms of player availability, both teams had key players listed as day-to-day. For the Nuggets, Aaron Gordon and Trevon Brazile were uncertain due to calf and undisclosed injuries, respectively. The Magic faced similar challenges, with Franz Wagner, Izaiyah Nelson, and Jonathan Isaac all listed as day-to-day with calf, ankle, and knee issues, respectively. The impact of these injuries could influence team dynamics and performance as the season progresses.
The betting market reflected the Nuggets' strong home advantage, with DraftKings setting the odds at DEN -6.5, indicating that Denver was favored to win by that margin. The total points line was set at 237.5, suggesting expectations for a high-scoring game, which ultimately aligned with the outcome.
Conditions at Ball Arena were conducive for a competitive game, with the atmosphere likely charged as the Nuggets aimed to extend their winning streak. As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed key moments, particularly in the fourth quarter, where Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. made significant contributions for the Magic, attempting to close the gap. However, Cameron Johnson's late-game free throws and a three-point jumper helped the Nuggets maintain their lead and secure the win.
Overall, this fixture highlighted the Nuggets' current form and their ability to perform under pressure, while the Magic will need to regroup and address their inconsistencies as they move forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DEN -6.5 | 237.5 o -110 / u -110 | Orlando Magic +220 · Denver Nuggets -270 |
Injury report
- Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
- Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets
- Franz WagnerDay-To-DayCalfOrlando Magic
- Izaiyah NelsonDay-To-DayAnkleOrlando Magic
- Jonathan IsaacDay-To-DayKneeOrlando Magic
Leaders
- PointsJamal Murray32Denver Nuggets
- AssistsNikola Jokic13Denver Nuggets
- ReboundsNikola Jokic11Denver Nuggets
- PointsPaolo Banchero26Orlando Magic
- AssistsPaolo Banchero10Orlando Magic
- ReboundsPaolo Banchero16Orlando Magic
Recent form
Denver Nuggets
Last 10: 7-3Streak W5128.3 scored · 121.4 allowed per game1-3 at home
- W128-125vs Houston RocketsDec 16
- W136-105at Sacramento KingsDec 12
- W115-106at Charlotte HornetsDec 7
- W134-133at Atlanta HawksDec 6
- W135-120at Indiana PacersDec 4
- L121-131vs Dallas MavericksDec 2
- W130-112at Phoenix SunsNov 30
- L136-139vs San Antonio SpursNov 29
- W125-115at Memphis GrizzliesNov 25
- L123-128vs Sacramento KingsNov 23
Orlando Magic
Last 10: 6-4Streak L1119.8 scored · 115.6 allowed per game2-2 away
- L120-132vs New York KnicksDec 13
- W117-108vs Miami HeatDec 9
- L100-106at New York KnicksDec 7
- W106-105vs Miami HeatDec 6
- L112-114vs San Antonio SpursDec 4
- W125-120vs Chicago BullsDec 2
- W112-109at Detroit PistonsNov 29
- W144-103at Philadelphia 76ersNov 26
- L129-138at Boston CelticsNov 23
- W133-121vs New York KnicksNov 22
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 | Orlando Magic | Denver Nuggets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 43-91 | 49-88 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 56 |
| Three-pointers | 11-33 | 16-36 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 44 |
| Free throws | 18-26 | 12-15 |
| Free throw % | 69 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 44 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 32 | 35 |
| Assists | 30 | 31 |
| Steals | 9 | 7 |
| Blocks | 6 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 2 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 23 |
| Fast-break points | 27 | 28 |
| Points in the paint | 62 | 54 |
| Fouls | 17 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 14 | 21 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 41 | 56 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter79-92Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 12-foot pullup jump shot (Jalen Pickett assists)
- 3rd Quarter81-92Wendell Carter Jr. makes 3-foot two point shot (Paolo Banchero assists)
- 3rd Quarter83-92Paolo Banchero makes dunk (Jett Howard assists)
- 3rd Quarter83-95Cameron Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jalen Pickett assists)
- 3rd Quarter83-97Nikola Jokic makes 1-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter83-98Cameron Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter83-99Cameron Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter85-99Goga Bitadze makes 2-foot dunk (Desmond Bane assists)
- 4th Quarter86-99Jett Howard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-99Jett Howard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-101Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 1-foot layup (Jalen Pickett assists)
- 4th Quarter87-104Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 27-foot running pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter89-104Jase Richardson makes 20-foot pullup jump shot (Desmond Bane assists)
- 4th Quarter89-105Jonas Valanciunas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-106Jonas Valanciunas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter91-106Jase Richardson makes driving layup (Desmond Bane assists)
- 4th Quarter91-108Jonas Valanciunas makes 7-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter91-110Spencer Jones makes 2-foot dunk (Jalen Pickett assists)
- 4th Quarter92-110Paolo Banchero makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-110Anthony Black makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-110Jett Howard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-110Jett Howard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-110Wendell Carter Jr. makes 25-foot running jump shot (Paolo Banchero assists)
- 4th Quarter98-111Jamal Murray makes technical free throw
- 4th Quarter100-111Paolo Banchero makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot (Anthony Black assists)
- 4th Quarter100-114Jalen Pickett makes 25-foot three point jumper (Spencer Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter100-115Jamal Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter100-118Jamal Murray makes 26-foot running pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter101-118Anthony Black makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-118Paolo Banchero makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter104-118Paolo Banchero makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter104-121Jalen Pickett makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter106-121Paolo Banchero makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter108-121Paolo Banchero makes two point shot (Anthony Black assists)
- 4th Quarter111-121Wendell Carter Jr. makes 25-foot running jump shot (Desmond Bane assists)
- 4th Quarter113-121Wendell Carter Jr. makes tip in dunk
- 4th Quarter115-121Anthony Black makes 2-foot dunk (Jett Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter115-124Cameron Johnson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter115-125Cameron Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-126Cameron Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Denver Nuggets, below favours Orlando Magic.
Venue
- Ball ArenaDenver, CO
- Attendance19731
- OfficialsBill Kennedy, Josh Tiven, Che Flores
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