The Denver Nuggets will face the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET in Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets enter with a (31-16) record after losing three straight home games, while the Nets sit at (12-33).

The Nuggets have shown solid form lately, going 6-4 in their last 10 games and 6-4 against the spread in that stretch. Overall this season, they are 28-19-0 against the spread, with their games going over the total in 28 of 45 chances, or 62.2% of the time. They average 120.4 points per game, which is 5.5 more than the Nets allow at 114.9, and Denver is 20-14 against the spread and 25-9 straight up when topping 114.9 points.

Denver shoots 49.5% from the field this year, just 0.4 points better than the 49.1% opponents shoot against Brooklyn. The Nuggets cover the spread better on the road at 17-9-0 than at home (11-10-0), and their home games hit the over less often, in 12 of 21 (57.1%), compared to 16 of 26 on the road (61.5%). They rank high in scoring, second in the league at 120.4 points per game, but 16th in defense allowing 116.0.

Key Nuggets players include Jamal Murray, who averages 26.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, with 1.0 steal. Peyton Watson chips in 14.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. Tim Hardaway Jr. adds 13.7 points and 2.4 rebounds, while Bruce Brown contributes 7.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. Jonas Valanciunas averages 8.7 points and 4.8 rebounds on 58.5% shooting, though injuries like Nikola Jokic's knee issue (out) impact the roster.

The Brooklyn Nets have struggled recently, posting a 1-9 record over their last 10 games but managing a 5-5 mark against the spread in that span. They are 21-21-3 against the spread overall this season, with games hitting the over in 19 of 45 (42.2%). Brooklyn averages 107.8 points per game, 8.2 fewer than Denver allows at 116.0, but they are 8-1 against the spread and 5-4 straight up when exceeding 116.0 points.

The Nets shoot just 44.3% from the field, 2.5 points below the 46.8% Denver opponents average. They are 11-11-1 against the spread at home (.478 win percentage) and 10-10-2 on the road (.455), with overs in 10 of 23 home games (43.5%) and 9 of 22 road games (40.9%). They rank last in scoring at 107.8 points and rebounds at 39.9, but 12th in defense allowing 114.9.

Leading the Nets is Michael Porter Jr. with 24.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, plus 1.0 steal. Nic Claxton adds 12.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. Day'Ron Sharpe averages 7.8 points and 6.2 rebounds, Egor Demin brings 10.2 points, 3.4 assists, and 0.9 steals, and Terance Mann contributes 7.6 points on 44.9% shooting.

Looking at team stats, here's a comparison of key averages and ranks:

Brooklyn Nets @ Denver Nuggets - (Nuggets ML)

Despite a roster that has been decimated by injuries, the Nuggets remain a powerhouse in the Western Conference, while the Nets arrive in Colorado hoping to snap a demoralizing six-game losing streak.

The Nuggets have faced a significant challenge with Nikola Jokic sidelined for nearly a month due to a left knee bone bruise. Joining him on the bench are starters Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle). However, the "Mile High" system has stayed afloat thanks to the leadership of Jamal Murray, who is averaging nearly 25.9 points and 7.4 assists, and the explosive emergence of Peyton Watson. Watson has provided a much-needed athletic spark, averaging over 22 points in his last several outings. With the interior presence of Jonas Valančiūnas and the perimeter shooting of Julian Strawther, Denver’s depth has proven resilient enough to keep them within striking distance of the West's top seed.

The massive storyline tonight is the return of Michael Porter Jr. to Denver. Traded to Brooklyn in the offseason for Cameron Johnson, MPJ has flourished as the primary option for the Nets, averaging a career-high 25.2 PPG. He already burned his former team once this month, dropping 27 points and 11 rebounds in Brooklyn's 127–115 win on January 4. However, that victory has been the rare highlight for a Nets team that has since plummeted to 13th in the East. Brooklyn’s offense has struggled for consistency, and their defensive rating has dipped significantly during this recent slide.

While the Nets won the first meeting this season, Denver at altitude is a different animal. The Nuggets are 12–9 at home and have historically dominated this matchup, winning four of the last five encounters prior to the January slip-up. Expect Jamal Murray to set a high tempo early and for Denver’s disciplined home execution to overwhelm a reeling Brooklyn squad.

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