Trying to figure out where to watch Denver Nuggets vs Charlotte Hornets can feel like you're trying to crack a government code. It’s not just "turn on the TV" anymore. We have a massive 2025–2026 NBA broadcast deal in full swing, local blackouts that still haunt us, and about five different apps all claiming they have the exclusive rights.
The Nuggets are hosting the Hornets at Ball Arena on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM MT (that's 8:00 PM for those of you out East).
If you are in the Denver market, you likely already know the drill, but things have changed recently with the rise of Altitude Plus. If you are in Charlotte, you’re looking at a different network entirely. And if you’re somewhere in the middle? Well, you've got the most options and the most headaches.
Denver Nuggets vs Charlotte Hornets: The Local TV Situation
Basically, if you live in Colorado or the surrounding "home" territory (Wyoming, Nebraska, etc.), your primary destination is Altitude Sports. This has been the home of the Nuggets for years, but the way you access it is different now. You can find it on traditional cable via Spectrum or through satellite on DirecTV.
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For the cord-cutters in Denver, Altitude+ (Altitude Plus) is the new standalone streaming service. It costs about $20 a month. It’s honestly the most direct way to get the game without a massive cable bill hanging over your head.
In the Charlotte market, the game is airing on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (formerly Bally Sports).
Wait, is it on national TV?
Not tonight. This specific January 18 matchup isn't on the big NBC or ESPN slots. It’s a local broadcast battle. That means if you aren't in Denver or Charlotte, you’ll need to look at the league-wide streaming options.
Streaming for Out-of-Market Fans
If you're a Nuggets fan living in Florida or a Hornets fan in Seattle, NBA League Pass is your best friend. It’s the only way to bypass the regional restrictions legally.
You can buy it directly through the NBA app, but a lot of people are now getting it as an add-on through Amazon Prime Video. Since Amazon is now a major NBA partner in this 2026 season, their interface is actually pretty smooth for jumping between games.
One thing to watch out for: blackouts still apply.
If the game is being shown on a local channel in your city, League Pass will block it out until a few hours after the buzzer. It’s annoying. We all hate it. But it’s the reality of NBA TV rights right now.
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Best Ways to Watch Without Cable
If you’ve ditched the satellite dish, you aren't out of luck. Several "Live TV" streaming services carry the regional sports networks (RSNs) needed for this game.
- Fubo: This is arguably the best choice for sports junkies because they carry both Altitude Sports and FanDuel Sports Network in their respective markets. It's pricey, usually over $90 once you factor in the RSN fees, but it's reliable.
- DirecTV Stream: If you want the "Choice" package, you'll get the local channels. It feels exactly like old-school cable but runs through your Wi-Fi.
- YouTube TV: Here’s the catch—YouTube TV generally does not carry Altitude or many of the FanDuel RSNs. You can watch the national NBC and ESPN games there, but for this specific Nuggets-Hornets game, you’ll likely be staring at a blank screen unless you have League Pass.
What Most People Get Wrong About the New Deal
There is a huge misconception that every game is now on Peacock or Amazon because of the new multi-billion dollar rights deal. That’s not quite how it works. While NBC and Amazon have huge chunks of the season (like those Monday and Tuesday night "Sunday Night Basketball" style slots), the bulk of the 82-game marathon still lives on regional networks.
Tonight is a prime example. You won't find this on TNT (which, sadly, is out of the NBA loop starting this season) or Peacock. It's a local production.
Final Checklist for Tip-Off
- Check your location: Are you in Denver? Get Altitude+ or Fubo.
- Are you in Charlotte? Look for FanDuel Sports Network Southeast.
- Are you anywhere else? Fire up NBA League Pass.
- Double-check the time: 6:00 PM local time in Denver is the start. Don't be late; Jokic usually starts cooking in the first three minutes.
If you are looking to save some cash, keep an eye out for free trials. Sometimes Fubo or League Pass offers a 7-day window. Just remember to cancel it before the week is up if you aren't planning on keeping it for the playoffs.
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To stay ahead of the next game, check your specific zip code on the NBA's official "Schedule" page. It will auto-detect which networks are available to you so you aren't scrambling five minutes after the first whistle.