Nuggets Set to Bounce Back Against Struggling Pelicans
The Denver Nuggets are coming off a surprising home loss to the Chicago Bulls on Monday, where they allowed 130 points, and now all eyes are on them as they head to New Orleans to face the Pelicans on Wednesday night. Denver enters this matchup as heavy road favorites, looking to regain their momentum after that unexpected defeat. The Pelicans, meanwhile, are struggling mightily this season, holding just two wins and reeling from a 17-point blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier in the week.
This contest presents a tough challenge for New Orleans, particularly with Zion Williamson listed as questionable due to a hamstring injury. The absence of their star forward could further hamper an offense that has already struggled against top competition. The Nuggets, ranked second in net rating and third in defensive rating in the league, are expected to capitalize on the Pelicans’ weaknesses, though they’ll need to tighten up some aspects of their game following Monday’s slip-up.
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Nikola Jokic has been performing at a high level, putting up 36 points in the recent loss and recording a triple-double against New Orleans earlier this season. Alongside Jokic, Denver forward Aaron Gordon emerges as a strong prop bet, particularly for three-pointers. Gordon has been averaging over two made threes per game, and with New Orleans ranking near the bottom of the league in defending the three-point line, he’s likely to find multiple open looks during the game.
Looking at the odds, the Nuggets are favored by 14.5 points, with a moneyline of -950, while the Pelicans are set at +625. The total is listed at 234.5, reflecting the potential for a high-scoring affair if Denver’s offense clicks. Early betting trends and statistical matchups strongly favor Denver, especially in the first quarter where the Pelicans have struggled historically, going 0-6 against the spread in opening quarters. Jokic and the Nuggets’ starters are expected to assert control early, making a quick lead likely.
In terms of prediction, Denver’s depth, offensive firepower, and defensive efficiency all point to a comfortable win. The Nuggets previously defeated the Pelicans 122-88 even with Zion in the lineup, and with the Pelicans’ current injury concerns, a repeat blowout seems likely. Fans can expect Denver to assert dominance early, potentially easing Jokic’s workload in the second half as the game becomes increasingly lopsided.
Overall, this matchup appears to be a prime bounce-back opportunity for the Nuggets, who will look to right the ship after Monday’s setback. Expect Denver to control the pace, exploit New Orleans’ defensive lapses, and cruise to a convincing road victory. The combination of Jokic’s versatility, Gordon’s shooting, and the Pelicans’ struggles makes this an outcome that is anticipated with high confidence.
Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. Eastern at the Smoothie King Center, and fans can catch the game on Altitude or the FanDuel Sports Network.
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