The Denver Nuggets have kept winning despite Nikola Jokic’s absence, one of the more impressive stories of the NBA season.
However, the roster attrition may be too much to overcome on the second night of a back-to-back against the Milwaukee Bucks.
My Nuggets vs. Bucks predictions will lean on the only healthy piece of the Denver starting five.
Read more in my NBA picks for Friday, January 23.
Nuggets vs Bucks prediction
Nuggets vs Bucks best bet: Aaron Gordon Over 17.5 points (-115)
The Denver Nuggets are still considering making an honest effort against the Milwaukee Bucks tonight, the second half of a back-to-back that is taxing an already injury-riddled roster.
They could sit their few healthy starters, but the injury report suggests both Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray may play.
Of Denver’s true five starters, only Gordon is as generous as “probable” tonight.
He has cleared this prop in four of his nine games since returning from his own injury, and Murray’s questionable status tonight lends more value to this prop.
Murray has both hamstring and hip concerns. The smart move would be to rest him tonight.
At that point, the offensive emphasis must be on Gordon.
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Nuggets vs Bucks same-game parlay
Aaron Gordon Over 17.5 points
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 28.5 points
Bucks -8
After a strong start to his return from a calf worry, Giannis Antetokounmpo has cooled off, falling short of this prop in his last four games.
But if Gordon is all of Denver’s reliable offense, how much effort can he pour into defense? Who then will slow down Giannis?
Our "from downtown" SGP: Bucks Roll!
Aaron Gordon Over 17.5 points
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 28.5 points
Bucks -8
Under 214.5
Denver should ease up as this game goes along, the back-to-back exacting a cost and thus dooming this game to an Under.
Nuggets vs Bucks odds
- Spread: Nuggets +8 (-110) | Bucks -8 (-110)
- Moneyline: Nuggets +225 | Bucks -275
- Over/Under: Over 214.5 (-110) | Under 214.5 (-110)
Nuggets vs Bucks betting trend to know
Milwaukee has hit the game total Under in 21 of its last 30 games (+11.10 Units / 34% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Nuggets vs. Bucks.
How to watch Nuggets vs Bucks
| Location | Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI |
| Date | Friday, January 23, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | Prime Video |
Nuggets vs Bucks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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