Denver Nuggets vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction: The Nuggets are the obvious favorites

The NBA Regular Season continues to shower us with amazing memories and this has been yet another engrossing season. As we head deeper into the midseason window, each game will only carry more value to deciding both the Playoffs and the Play-in seeding. As of now, the Denver Nuggets look comfortably placed in the Playoffs bracket but the Charlotte Hornets have a long way to go, what will happen when these two meet here?

The Nuggets enter the affar\ir after losing 108:125 against the LA Lakers despite a 25 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists performance by their best player Nikola Jokic. This loss halted their three-game winning streak as they faced the Lakers which played perhaps their best game of the season on both ends. The Nuggets still have a strong record with 17 wins and 11 losses but have lost four of their last seven games. One of the major culprits has been their shoddy defense as they have registered the worst ranking in opponents’ field goal percentage.

Jokic has continued to lead the team in points, rebounds, and assists, and thanks to that, the Nuggets have made up for their defensive lapses by shooting the best percentage in the league. They work elaborate sets and pass the ball really well, being one of the best passing teams. Jamal Murray’s return has bolstered the offense whereas Aaron Gordon has had some big games too. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Burce Brown are amazing complimentary players. Overall, the Nuggets have been playing some brilliant offense but their defense has led to some big issues.

The Hornets march into this affair after losing 106:125 points despite a 27 points performance by LaMelo Ball. This loss has led the squad to the seven game losing streak and the Hornets have been reduced to just 22 losses and seven wins. They have registered an eight-game losing streak earlier too so their season has been way more underwhelming. One of the major reasons for that has been the injury to LaMelo Ball, who has played just five out of the total 29 games. They have the worst offensive rating while having the third best defensive rating.

They have the second-worst field goal percentage which has been the result of the unavailability of LaMelo Ball. Not having Miles Bridges has hurt, who has been out due to legal troubles. These two made up for a lot of lapses last season and led the Hornets to be one of the best offensive teams. Now the team is reliant upon a lot of hero ball and with the midseason approaching, some trades can be on the way. Will the return of LaMelo Ball spark at least a Play-in run, finish to the tenth spot but most probably, this is a lost season for Charlotte.

• Nuggets: OUT: Collin Gillespie, Michael Porter Jr. PROBABLE: Nikola Jokic. Game-Time Decision: Jamal Murray;
• Hornets: OUT: Mark Williams, Dennis Smith Jr, Cody Martin.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Nikola Jokic(30-34 Points), LaMelo Ball(24-29 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Nikola Jokic(14-17 Rebounds), Mason Plumlee(11-14 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Nikola Jokic(10-13 Assists), LaMelo Ball(9-11 Assists).

With the way the Hornets are playing, the Nuggets are the obvious favorites here.; The Nuggets’ offense is one of the best in the league and they will play against a poor defense of the Hornets. Nikola Jokic is a superb player and I doubt the Hornets’ defense will have any answer for that. That is why I see a big win for the Nuggets. I predict a scoreline of 126:110 in favor of Denver.