Pelicans vs Nuggets Prediction
I’m not running to the window to lay chalk with the Nuggets on the road, especially double-digit chalk. However, as I said yesterday, the Pelicans are one of those teams that lets you down far more often than not. After a recent winning streak, the Pelicans are 0-5 SU and ATS in their last five games.
The Pelicans aren’t playing a lick of defense and have allowed 138 or more points in four straight games. I doubt playing on the end of a back-to-back will help the defense. The Nuggets are also second in offensive field goal percentage, which makes things worse for the home team. Oddsmakers are telling you what they think of the Pelicans with this line. I’ll lay the points with the Nuggets.
Denver Nuggets Betting Preview
The Denver Nuggets beat the Grizzlies, lost to the Rockets, and they play the Suns next. The Nuggets have won 19 of their last 23 regular season games. The Nuggets are 3-2 SU on the road, 2-2 SU at home, and 5-5 ATS this season.
The Denver Nuggets are averaging 114.5 points per game on 48.3 percent shooting and allowing 113.3 points per game on 46.4 percent shooting. Jamal Murray is averaging 26.2 points and 5 rebounds per game. Nikola Jokic is averaging 23.5 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. Christian Braun is averaging 12.4 points and 2.4 assists per game. Cameron Johnson is averaging 12.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. The Denver Nuggets are shooting 35.4 percent from beyond the arc and 79.5 percent from the free-throw line. The Denver Nuggets are allowing 35.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41.8 rebounds per game.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans lost to the Grizzlies and Nets, and they play the Warriors next. The Pelicans have lost 5 straight games. The Pelicans are 1-4 SU on the road, 3-5 SU at home, and 6-7 ATS on the season.
The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 117 points per game on 47.3 percent shooting and allowing 124.3 points per game on 49.2 percent shooting. Zion Williamson is averaging 21.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Trey Murphy III is averaging 15.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Saddiq Bey is averaging 15.4 points and 2.3 assists per game. Jeremiah Fears is averaging 15.3 points and 4.9 assists per game. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 33.1 percent from beyond the arc and 83.1 percent from the free-throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 35.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41.2 rebounds per game.
Pelicans vs Nuggets Injury Report
Yves Missi is doubtful for the Pelicans with a knee injury. Trey Murphy is doubtful with a patellar issue. Trendon Watford is out with an ankle sprain. Bryce McGowens is doubtful with an elbow issue.
Julian Strawther is out for the Nuggets with a knee sprain.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Nuggets have lost four of their last five games as favorites against Western Conference opponents following a win.
- The Pelicans have won each of their last four home games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in each of their last six games on the second leg of a back-to-back against the Nuggets.
- The Nuggets have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games as road favorites against Western Conference opponents following a win.
Why the Denver Nuggets will win
- The Nuggets have won each of their last eight games against the Pelicans.
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last 14 games as underdogs following a loss.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last eight games as home underdogs against Western Conference opponents following a loss.
- The favorites have covered the spread in each of the Nuggets’ last four games.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of the Pelicans’ last 10 games as home underdogs following a home loss have gone OVER the total points line.
- Eight of the Nuggets’ last nine games against the Pelicans following a road win have gone UNDER the total points line.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts
- Zion Williamson is one of only two players to have made 9+ field goals without a miss in a game this season.
- Jeremiah Fears ranks T5th in the league for fast break points (50) this season.
Denver Nuggets Player Facts
- Nikola Jokic is the only qualified player in the league averaging at least 20.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists this season.
- Cameron Johnson has scored 255 career points against the Pelicans – most against any opponent.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Pelicans rank 30th in the league for three-point field goals made per game this season (9.2).
- The Pelicans rank 30th in the league for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (28.4).
- The Nuggets rank 1st in the league for opponent free throws made per game this season (15.3).
- The Nuggets rank 1st in the league for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (18.6).