| MATCHUP | New Orleans Pelicans | Denver Nuggets |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 0-2 | 0-1 |
| Spread | +11.5 -110 | -11.5 -110 |
| Moneyline | +370 | -485 |
| Total | Over 237.5 (-115) | Under 237.5 (-105) |
| Where | Ball Arena, Denver, CO | |
| When | Saturday, October 24, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | NBA League Pass | |
The New Orleans Pelicans and Denver Nuggets meet Saturday in NBA action at the Ball Arena. Here’s a Pelicans vs. Nuggets Prediction. This article will include a Pelicans vs. Nuggets Pick.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans lost to the Pacers and Jazz, and they play the Kings next. The Pelicans have lost 12 of their last 13 games.
The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 119.5 points on 46.6 percent shooting and allowing 121.5 points on 50.6 percent shooting. Zion Williamson is averaging 22.5 points and 4 rebounds, while Dejounte Murray is averaging 19.5 points and 4.5 rebounds. Saddiq Bey is the third double-digit scorer, and Derik Queen is dishing 1.5 assists. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 32.1 percent from beyond the arc and 89.1 percent from the free-throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 33.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43 rebounds per game.
Denver Nuggets Betting Preview
The Denver Nuggets lost to the Thunder, and they play the Warriors and Suns next. The Nuggets have won 13 of their last 14 regular season games.
The Denver Nuggets are averaging 84 points on 37.8 percent shooting and allowing 96 points on 37.9 percent shooting. Aaron Gordon is averaging 20 points and 6 rebounds, while DeMar DeRozan is averaging 13 points and 2 rebounds. Nikola Jokic is the third double-digit scorer, and Christian Braun is grabbing 6 rebounds. The Denver Nuggets are shooting 26.7 percent from beyond the arc and 63.6 percent from the free-throw line. The Denver Nuggets are allowing 25.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 53 rebounds per game.
Why the Denver Nuggets will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last eight road games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Nuggets have won each of their last eight home games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games as road underdogs.
- The Nuggets have covered the spread in each of their last six games at Ball Arena when playing with a rest advantage.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Nuggets have lost three of their last four games as favorites against Western Conference opponents.
- The Pelicans have won seven of their last nine night games against Northwest Division opponents that held a losing record.
- The Nuggets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four home games against Southwest Division opponents that held a losing record.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in nine of their last 12 games against Western Conference opponents that held a losing record.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Nuggets’ last five night games at Ball Arena have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Pelicans’ last three games on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Nuggets ranked 30th in the league for opponent turnovers per game last season (11.8).
- The Nuggets ranked 1st in the league for three-point percentage last season (39.6%).
- The Pelicans ranked 2nd for points in the paint per game (57.7) last season.
- The Pelicans ranked 28th in the league for opponent offensive rebounds per game last season (12.7).
Pelicans vs Nuggets Injury Report
The Nuggets will be without Cameron Johnson, Spencer Jones, and Julian Strawther. Alpha Diallo is questionable with a wrist sprain.
The Pelicans will be without Mailk Dia, Jaron Pierre Jr., and Julian Reese.
Pelicans vs Nuggets Prediction
I’m not thrilled to lay double-digit points with the Nuggets, but they have the rest advantage and are at home. The Pelicans have lost two winnable games, giving similar vibes we’ve seen from this team over the years. Having to play the second leg of a back-to-back in Denver is possibly the worst spot in the league due to the altitude. Tired legs get even worse. While the Pelicans have potential and are better than their results at some point, they have to prove it. Give me the Nuggets in a home beatdown.