Nuggets Face Struggling 76ers as Jokic Aims to Extend Dominance

DENVER, Colo. — The Denver Nuggets will host the struggling Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night at Ball Arena, with tipoff scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. The 76ers, riding a six-game losing streak, face an uphill battle against a Nuggets team led by MVP candidate Nikola Jokic, who is averaging a staggering 30.1 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 9.9 assists this season.

Philadelphia (15-26) is coming off a 123-109 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, while Denver (26-16) secured a 113-100 victory over the Orlando Magic. The 76ers are plagued by injuries, with star center Joel Embiid (knee) ruled out and Paul George (groin) listed as questionable. Meanwhile, Denver’s Jamal Murray (calf) is probable to play.

The Nuggets, second in the Northwest Division, have been dominant at home with a 12-8 record. They are favored by 12.5 points in the latest odds, with the over/under set at 231 points. Denver’s money line stands at -758, while Philadelphia’s is +529.

Jokic has been a force this season, recording 18 triple-doubles, including three consecutive. In Sunday’s win over Orlando, he posted 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. Despite dealing with a right elbow sprain, Jokic remains a key contributor, averaging nearly 20 points in his last four games.

Murray has also been instrumental for Denver, scoring 30 or more points in two of his last four games. Against Dallas on Jan. 14, he dropped 45 points, showcasing his ability to step up when needed.

For the 76ers, Tyrese Maxey has been a bright spot, averaging 26.4 points and 5.8 assists this season. He scored 37 points in Sunday’s loss to Milwaukee, but his efforts have not been enough to halt the team’s slide. Philadelphia’s injury woes have left Maxey leading a lineup of mostly inexperienced players, further complicating their chances against a surging Nuggets squad.

Denver has won 10 of its last 13 games and ranks first in the NBA in field goal percentage (50.1%) and assists (30.9 per game). The 76ers, meanwhile, are third in the Atlantic Division and have struggled on the road, posting a 9-13 record away from home.

The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every NBA game 10,000 times, predicts the total points to fall under 231, projecting 226 combined points. The model also indicates that one side of the spread hits nearly 60% of the time.

As the 76ers look to snap their losing streak, they face a daunting task against a Nuggets team firing on all cylinders. With Jokic and Murray leading the charge, Denver aims to continue its climb up the Western Conference standings.