The Denver Nuggets visit the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Sunday evening, with the matchup set to tip off at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Denver enters at 16-6 and carries a two-game winning streak, including a 134-133 road win over Atlanta on December 5. Charlotte stands at 7-16.
Both teams meet for the first time this season.
The Nuggets’ injury report lists several rotation players on the shelf. Christian Braun remains out with a left ankle sprain after starting all 11 of his appearances. Aaron Gordon is unavailable due to a right hamstring strain that has interrupted a productive start in which he averaged 18.8 points and 5.9 rebounds.
Julian Strawther continues to sit for lower back injury management. Denver also lists Tamar Bates as out on his two-way assignment, while DaRon Holmes II is ruled out on G League duty.
Denver’s core remains intact, with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray carrying the offensive load. Jokic enters averaging 29.2 points, 12.4 boards, and 11.0 assists while shooting 60.8 percent from the field. Murray adds 24.6 points per game and converts 46.1 percent of his threes. Their production will continue to anchor the team with multiple wings sidelined.
The Hornets’ report features several key absences. LaMelo Ball remains out with a left ankle bone bruise. Collin Sexton is unavailable due to a left quadriceps strain, leaving Charlotte without two primary ball-handlers.
Grant Williams remains sidelined after right knee surgery. Josh Green continues his recovery from left shoulder surgery. Tre Mann is out with a right knee bone bruise, further thinning Charlotte’s backcourt depth.
Pat Connaughton is out with a right calf strain, and Moussa Diabate is listed as questionable due to right knee soreness. Diabate’s status is Charlotte’s lone uncertainty heading into the matchup.
