The Denver Nuggets will look to respond after a dreadful performance versus the Oklahoma City Thunder in OKC last night.
The Nuggets have been a disappointment this season, and that was one of the most disappointing attempts I’ve seen from them.
As 6-point favorites, the Nuggets were worked for a 108-94 loss. It wasn’t like the Nuggets were unfortunate or had bad bounces against them. They were severely outplayed for pretty well the entire game.
Right back at it.#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/JqdIR4iXCO
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 23, 2021
With Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon in the lineup, that can’t happen against an inferior opponent like the Thunder. The Nuggets didn’t look like they wanted it more than the Thunder.
Denver made it interesting for a minute, as they cut the lead down to 10 points in the 4th quarter, though it was short-lived.
The Thunder picked the intensity back up and pulled away to prevent the Nuggets from getting closer. The Nuggets dropped to .500 on the season at 15-15.
This hasn’t been going as expected for the Nuggets this season. They’ve been dealing with injuries and haven’t seen Jamal Murray on the floor.
However, there will still be expectations when the defending MVP is playing. It’s unfair to expect Jokic to carry everything for the Nuggets, though.
Along with Murray, Michael Porter Jr., who was giving the Nuggets a nice lift, is OUT indefinitely. Gordon is listed as probable to play tonight, though.
On Monday, the Hornets are coming off a 112-102 loss at Utah. The Jazz cooled off the usually hot hand of the Hornets.
? Denver, CO#AllFly pic.twitter.com/OZ91YSPSDl
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) December 23, 2021
Utah was coming off a bad loss and turned up the defensive pressure in that one. Before that loss, the Hornets were 125-116 losers versus the Trail Blazers and 137-106 versus the Suns.
The defense had a rare appearance in that one, though. Holding the Jazz to 112 points can be seen as a positive. Playing well defensively in back-to-back games would be some kind of progress for Charlotte.
Head below for our free Hornets vs. Nuggets pick on December 23, 2021.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Odds and Team Statistics:
The following odds are courtesy of BetUS:
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Hornets | +3 (-110) | +130 | Over 230.5 (-110) |
| Denver Nuggets | -3 (-110) | -150 | Under 230.5 (-110) |
| Team Data | Charlotte Hornets | Denver Nuggets |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 16-17 | 15-15 |
| ATS Record | 19-14-0 | 13-17-0 |
| Away/Home Record | 8-13 | 8-5 |
| ATS Away/Home | 9-12-0 | 6-7-0 |
| Points Per Game | 114.9 | 106.4 |
| Points Against Per Game | 117.1 | 106.6 |
| Field Goal % | 45.9 | 46.5 |
| Three Point % | 37.9 | 34.7 |
Hornets vs. Nuggets Prediction:
The Charlotte Hornets haven’t played well defensively much this season. While allowing 112 points isn’t an accomplishment, that’s an improvement versus a very good Utah offense.
The Hornets are 30th with 117.1 points against per game. They are 29th, with teams shooting 47.1% against the Hornets. That’s a paper-thin defense.
Like the Rockets, like I just got done explaining, young teams like to put up the stats. However, getting back on defense is another situation altogether.
While their defense is useless, this talented roster is scoring points. There are scorers on the Hornets’ roster, but no one is interested in playing defense yet.
Charlotte is second-best in the league, with 114.9 points per game. They can shoot the three-ball at a high clip, with a three-point percentage of 37.9%.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Trends:
Hornets
- 7-3 ATS in their previous ten games
- 10-21 ATS in their previous 31 games as an underdog on the road
- OVER is 6-1-1 in their previous eight games after a loss
- OVER is 10-2-1 in their previous 13 games
- OVER is 8-2-1 in their previous 11 games as an underdog
Nuggets
- 5-0 ATS in their previous five games after a loss
- 6-2 ATS in their previous eight games on a Thursday
- OVER is 4-0 in their previous four games at Ball Arena
- OVER is 10-1 in their previous 11 games after failing to cover the spread
- OVER is 16-5 in their previous 21 games
Do you have confidence in the Hornets playing well on defense in back-to-back starters? I don’t have much confidence in the Hornets doing it in Denver.
The Nuggets shot horribly last night. I can see them coming out firing well versus a team that doesn’t play much defense.
Overall, the Nuggets are 21st in the NBA, with 106.4 points per game. They are shooting well with a field goal percentage of 46.5% for sixth in the league.
Charlotte has allowed 119 points per game on the road. Opponents at home are shooting nearly 50% against the Hornets.
Following zero traction for the Nuggets last night, expect them to explode offensively in this one. The Hornets likely aren’t ready after chasing around the Jazz.
I’d look at the OVER in what looks like a 122-114 final score at Ball Arena.
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