Preview: Nuggets Look to Continue Hot Streak Against Struggling Hornets CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Interstat) — The Denver Nuggets, riding high in the Western Conference, visit the struggling Charlotte Hornets on Sunday at Spectrum Center in a cross-conference NBA matchup. The Nuggets (15-6) enter on a strong run, having won seven of their last 10 games. They are coming off a dominant 135-120 road victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Guard Jamal Murray erupted for a season-high 52 points in that win, part of a torrid scoring stretch. Over his last 10 games, Murray is averaging 28.4 points and 7.1 assists, establishing himself as a premier backcourt threat alongside two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Denver’s offense, which averages 125.5 points per game during this 10-game span, will test a Charlotte defense that has consistently struggled. The Hornets (6-16) have lost eight of their last 10 and are coming off a 119-104 loss to the New York Knicks. Despite the team’s record, All-Star guard LaMelo Ball remains a dynamic focal point. He is averaging 17.3 points and 8.3 assists this season and posted 34 points, eight rebounds and nine assists in the loss to New York. Ball’s playmaking and Denver’s Murray will be a key backcourt duel. Charlotte’s defense ranks near the bottom of the league, allowing an average of 118.9 points per game. Containing the Nuggets’ multifaceted attack, which features Jokic’s unparalleled passing from the center position, will be a formidable challenge. Rookie forward Tidjane Salaun and center Ryan Kalkbrenner have shown recent flashes for the Hornets. The teams are on divergent paths. Denver aims to solidify its position among the West’s elite before a challenging stretch that includes games against Sacramento, Dallas and a Christmas Day matchup with Minnesota. Charlotte, seeking consistency, begins a homestand before hitting the road for four of its next five. Sunday’s game tips off at 1 p.m. Eastern.