The New Orleans Pelicans pay a visit to the Denver Nuggets at the Ball Arena on Monday night.

New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have been in decent shape as they’ve won four of their first six games overall, but they are looking to bounce back in this one after getting thrashed by the Hawks in a 123-105 loss on Saturday. Zion Williamson led the team with 25 points on nine of 16 shooting, Brandon Ingram added 16 points while Herbert Jones and CJ McCollum scored 16 points apiece. As a team, the Pelicans shot 47 percent from the field and eight of 31 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with 35 points in the first quarter to take the lead into halftime, only to get outscored by 70-45 in the second half to get completely blown out in the end. 

New Orleans Pelicans Team Facts

• The Pelicans have won each of their last four games as underdogs following a home loss.
• The Pelicans have covered the spread in eight of their last nine road games against Northwest Division opponents after losing as favorites.
• Fourteen of the Pelicans’ last 15 road games against Western Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.

Denver Nuggets

Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have been on fire to start the season as they’ve won six of their first seven games overall and they will be aiming for a third straight win after beating the Bulls in a 123-101 win on Saturday. Nikola Jokic led the team with 28 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists, Michael Porter Jr. added 27 points on nine of 16 shooting while Aaron Gordon tallied 15 points with 12 rebounds and five assists. As a team, the Nuggets shot 51 percent from the field and 16 of 36 from the 3-point line as they got off to a sluggish start and trailed for most of the first half, before they clicked into gear and exploded for 72 points in the second half to make it look easy in the end. 

Denver Nuggets Team Facts

• The Nuggets have won each of their last 13 home games against Western Conference opponents.
• The Nuggets have covered the spread in 15 of their last 17 home games against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
• Six of the Nuggets’ last seven games against Western Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.

Peter’s Pick

The Pelicans are still missing CJ McCollum, Naji Marshall and Jose Alverado, while the Nuggets have ruled out Jamal Murray with a hamstring injury. The Pelicans have been playing decent basketball this season, but they struggled to keep pace with the in-form Hawks on Saturday and I’m expecting more of the same against the red-hot Nuggets. The line is a couple points higher than I’d like, but I still think the Nuggets should be too good for the shorthanded Pelicans at home.