The Denver Nuggets face off against the Charlotte Hornets tonight in North Carolina, but the Nuggets will be without their star player, Russell Westbrook, who has been ruled out due to a hamstring strain. Westbrook has had a solid season, averaging 13 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists while shooting nearly 48% from the field. His absence marks the first game he has missed in the current season, after joining the Nuggets this year. Additionally, teammate Peyton Watson is also sidelined with a knee sprain sustained in their previous game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Nuggets currently hold the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 29-19 record, going 6-4 in their last ten games. They have been effective on the road, posting a 15-11 record away from home. Following this matchup, the Nuggets will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday. Meanwhile, the Hornets are struggling at 12-33, sitting in the 14th seed in the Eastern Conference and on a three-game losing streak.