Jamal Murray scored 34 points, Nikola Jokic finished an assist shy of his 26th triple-double of the season and the Denver Nuggets extended their winning streak to nine games by holding off the depleted Charlotte Hornets 129-115.

One of the more puzzling parts of the trade deadline earlier this month was when the Lakers announced that their trade to acquire big man Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets was rescinded just 48 hours after it was announced.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets had an unusual game on Wednesday, facing off after their trade for Mark Williams fell apart. It was the first game Williams played for Charlotte since he reportedly failed his physical and then had to return to the team that had agreed on a deal that would send him to Los Angeles.

The Lakers sit atop the Pacific Division. They lead the Clippers by two games. LA saw its six game-winning streak snapped just prior to the All-Star Break losing at Utah, 131-119, last Wednesday. The Lakers have won seven in a row at home.

We've got another exciting interconference contest on Thursday's NBA schedule coming out of the NBA All-Star Break as the Denver Nuggets will host the Charlotte Hornets. Denver is 36-19 overall and 19-8 at home,

Analyzing Thursday’s Charlotte Hornets at Denver Nuggets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

Charlotte Hornets star guard LaMelo Ball will sit out Thursday's game at the Denver Nuggets due to left ankle soreness.