Check out our free Nuggets vs Pelicans pick and preview for this NBA game in New Orleans. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this NBA matchup.
Nuggets vs Pelicans NBA Pick & Preview
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Denver Nuggets at New Orleans Pelicans
- Where: New Orleans at Smoothie King Center
- Date: Tuesday, January 24th
- Betting Odds NO -1.5, DEN +101 | NO -122 O/U OFF
The Nuggets come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 33-14. So far, the team has gone 24-22-1 against the spread. In the teams past 3 games, their overall mark sits at 2-1. Denver is 1-2 vs the spread in these matchups.
The Nuggets are coming off a disappointing 101-99 loss to the Thunder. Going into the game, they were favored to win by 3 points. Denver was not able to turn things around in the 2nd half, as they trailed the Thunder by 2 going into halftime. In the loss, Jamal Murray led the team in scoring with 26 points on a field goal percentage of 47.8%.
So far, the Pelicans have put together an overall record of 26-21, while going 23-24-0 vs the spread. The Pelicans head into today’s action in the midst of a 4 game losing streak. Their average scoring differential in these defeats is -13.25.
New Orleans will be gunning to get in the win column vs Denver, as they previously lost to the Heat by a score of 100-96. However, because they entered as 7 point underdogs, they came away with an ATS win. New Orleans let an opportunity for a win slip away as they held a lead going into the 2nd half of action. In the loss, Trey Murphy III led the team in scoring with 17 points on a field goal percentage of 54.5%.
Head To Head Recap & Stats
I In last year’s head-to-head meetings, the Nuggets averaged 119.75 points per game vs New Orleans, which was an increase over their season-long average. On the other side, the Pelicans also experienced an uptick in scoring during head-to-head matchups, averaging 115.5 points per game vs Denver. Spanning across the last 5 head-to-head matchups, the Nuggets and Pelicans have been competitive, with an average margin of victory sitting at just 1 points per game. This has resulted in a 3-2 ATS record for Denver. In these contests, they averaged a combined 233 points per game, leading to an over-under mark of 2-2-1.
Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game
Heading into play, the Nuggets offense is rated 5th in the league in scoring, averaging 117.2 points per contest. The Nuggets come into the game as one of the league’s better 3-point shooting teams, connecting at a rate of 12.2 made 3’s per game. A key to the team’s offensive success is their ability to knock down outside shots, as they are ranked 12th in 3-point shots made per game. Their overall offensive numbers could go up if they begin to play at a faster pace. So far, they are below the league average in possessions per contest.
Against the Pelicans, the Nuggets will need a stronger defensive effort as they are ranked just 14th in points allowed.
One situation to keep an eye on leading up the game is the availability of Nikola Jokic, as he is currently questionable on the injury report. If he is able to play, the team will have it’s 1-2 punch availble as Jokic leads the team in scoring at 25.1 points per game while Murray is 2nd at 18.9. For the season, Jokic is 38th in the NBA in usage rate and 5th in player efficiency. Behind him, Murray has taken 17.8% of the team’s field goal attempts, connecting at a rate of 45.0%.
Through 47 games, New Orleans is the 9th best scoring team at 116.0 points per game. Coming into today’s game, the Pelicans will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 11.1 made 3’s per game. If the New Orleans offense is going to turn things around, not only do they need to improve their outside shooting but they must do a better job protecting the ball. Currently, they are averaging 14.6 turnovers per game.
Against the Nuggets, the Pelicans will need a stronger defensive effort as they are ranked just 13th in points allowed.
A key injury to note in this game is the absence of the Pelicans 2nd leading scorer, Zion Williamson. In his 29 games, Williamson is averaging 26.0 points per game while dishing out 4.6 assists and grabbing 7.0 rebounds. In his absence, the team will be looking for even more production out of CJ McCollum, who leads the team and is 44th in the NBA at 21.1 points per contest. For the season, he has connected on 42.8% of his field goal attempts while taking 20.8% of the team’s shots from the floor.
Nuggets vs Pelicans Pick
- Free Spread Prediction: Nuggets +1.5
- Free Total Prediction: Over OFF
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