New Orleans Pelicans vs
Denver NuggetsPredictions & Preview

Denver Nuggets Look to Extend Winning Streak Against New Orleans Pelicans despite Uncertain Aaron Gordon's Absence

The 2024-25 NBA season continues on Wednesday, February 5th with the Western Conference matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena in Denver, CO. The Nuggets aim to secure their third consecutive victory over the Pelicans as they close out their four-game regular-season series. Denver opens as the betting favorite at -10, with the line remaining unchanged. Stay tuned for our Pelicans vs. Nuggets prediction and analysis as one of our NBA picks for Wednesday.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Pelicans +373 | Nuggets -493
• Spread: Pelicans +10 (-110) | Nuggets -10 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 239.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Denver will win straight-up is 83%.

New Orleans vs Denver Stats

New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are currently struggling in the Western Conference, sitting at 14th place with a significant gap from the No. 10 seed. They have lost six consecutive games, only managing to cover the spread once during this period. Their recent defeats include a heavy loss to the Charlotte Hornets and a game against the Denver Nuggets where they struggled defensively. With key players like Brandon Ingram and Dejounte Murray out with injuries, the Pelicans are facing challenges on both ends of the court. Statistically, the team ranks low in both offense and defense, with poor shooting percentages and rebounding numbers. As they continue to struggle, New Orleans may already be looking towards the future and planning for the upcoming NBA Draft.

Denver Nuggets Analysis

The Denver Nuggets extended their winning streak to three games with a victory over the Pelicans, covering a 9.5-point spread. They outscored New Orleans in the paint, hit 12 three-pointers, and had strong performances from Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. The Nuggets currently hold the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference, with a strong offense ranking at #3 in the league. They have a power ranking of 9, a record of 31-19, and are performing well on both ends of the court, ranking highly in field goal percentage and offensive assists. Defensively, they are allowing higher field goal percentages and free throw percentages but are still holding up well. Overall, the Nuggets are a strong team to watch in the Western Conference.

Uncertain Aaron Gordon's Absence Puts Nuggets in Favor for Matchup Against Pelicans

Aaron Gordon, with an average of 12.6 points per game and 4.8 rebounds per game, was unable to participate in Monday's game against the Pelicans and remains uncertain for Wednesday's matchup. Despite his potential absence due to a calf injury, I predict that the Nuggets will outperform the Pelicans. The Pelicans have struggled defensively throughout the season and currently rank 28th in the league in adjusted defensive efficiency, allowing 118.8 points per 100 possessions. Their inability to contain Nikola Jokic will likely result in the Nuggets dominating offensively. Both teams have faced challenges in covering the spread recently, with the Pelicans going 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven games and the Nuggets 1-5 ATS in their previous six. However, Denver has a history of performing well against New Orleans at home and within the Western Conference.

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